"But, Fast Tract Courts in Bengal...":Center responds to Mamata Banerjee's Letter to PM Modi on Rape Laws

Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi responded to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's letter urging for stricter central laws and Fast Track Special Courts to address rising rape cases. In her reply, Devi highlighted various measures taken by the Central Government to combat sexual assault and rape. "Effective implementation of these provisions of law... falls in the ambit of the State Government," said Devi.

In the light of the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old PGT doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Prime Minister stated that at least 90 women are raped on a daily basis in India. In response, Devi acknowledged the gravity of the situation, expressing heartfelt condolences to the family of a young woman who suffered from heinous violence. She underscored that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which has been in effect since July 1, 2024, already encompasses rigorous penalties for sexual offenses. "Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means is punishable by 10 years imprisonment, and rape of a woman under 16 years of age is punishable by rigorous imprisonment of not less than 20 years and may extend up to life,” said Annapurna Devi.

The letter also detailed the existing Fast Track Special Courts initiative, which aims to expedite trials for rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases. Devi noted that as of June 30, 2024, there were 752 FTSCs operational across 30 states and Union Territories, including 409 exclusive POCSO Courts. Despite this, she pointed out that West Bengal had only operationalized 6 out of the 17 allocated FTSCs, leaving 11 courts pending. "Despite a pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the State Government has not taken any steps to start the remaining 11 FTSCs," Devi wrote, urging the state to address this delay.

Furthermore, the Union Women and Child Development Minister addressed the issue of helplines, stating that various emergency services, including Women Helpline (WHL) 181, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) - 112, and Child Helpline 1098, have been set up. However, she said that these services have not been fully utilized in West Bengal due to the state's failure to implement the WHL. Annapurna Devi stressed the need for effective implementation of existing laws and initiatives. “You would agree that effective implementation of these provisions of law as well as various initiatives of the Central Government for women's safety falls in the ambit of the State Government. It is imperative that the State machinery is fully sensitised and geared up to take fullest advantage of the legal and schematic provisions made by the Central Government for ensuring safety and security of women and girls in the State of West Bengal,” she added, stating that West Bengal's government would intensify efforts to create a safer and more equitable environment for women and girls.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on August 22, in the wake of nationwide protests over the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old PGT doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement stricter central legislation to combat the rising number of rape cases across the country that shake “confidence and conscience of the society”. “I wish to bring to your kind attention the regular and increasing occurrence of rape cases throughout the country and in many cases, rapes with murder are committed. According to the available data, it is horrifying to see that almost 90 cases of rape occur daily throughout the country. This shakes the confidence and conscience of the society and the nation. It is bounden duty for all of us to put an end to it so that the women feel safe and secure,” wrote Banerjee.​