Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In response to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the tragic rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, the Centre has pointed out that West Bengal has been allocated 123 fast-track courts to address cases of rape and child abuse, many of which remain non-functional.
Under pressure after the horrific incident, Mamata Banerjee recently wrote to the Prime Minister, urging the introduction of a stringent central law to ensure severe punishment for rapists. In her letter, Banerjee highlighted alarming statistics, stating that 90 rape cases occur daily across India, with many victims also being murdered.
“It is horrifying to witness this trend. It shakes the confidence and conscience of society. Addressing this issue comprehensively through stringent central legislation is our duty, ensuring women feel safe and secure. Quick justice is essential, and trials should be completed within 15 days,” Banerjee suggested, advocating for the establishment of fast-track special courts.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, responded to Banerjee’s letter, starting with condolences to the victim’s family. She emphasized that the recently implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita “comprehensively addresses crimes against women with stringent punishments.”
Highlighting the importance of fast-track courts, the minister noted that a centrally sponsored scheme to establish these courts was launched in October 2019. “As of June 30, 2024, 752 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including 409 exclusive POCSO Courts, are operational across 30 States/UTs and have resolved over 2,53,000 cases since the scheme’s inception. West Bengal was allocated 123 FTSCs, including 20 exclusive POCSO Courts and 103 combined FTSCs for both rape and POCSO cases. However, none of these courts were operational until mid-June 2023,” the minister added.
Devi also pointed out that despite West Bengal’s communication on June 8, 2023, agreeing to start 7 FTSCs, only 6 exclusive POCSO Courts have been made operational as of June 30, 2024. “Despite a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases, the State Government has yet to initiate the remaining 11 FTSCs,” she stressed, urging prompt action from the state government.
Additionally, the minister criticized the Trinamool Congress government for not implementing a national helpline set up by the Centre to address distress calls from women and children. “Helplines like Women Helpline (WHL) 181, Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112, Child Helpline 1098, and Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 have been established as first responders. Unfortunately, the people of West Bengal cannot utilize this facility as the state has not implemented the WHL despite multiple requests,” Devi noted.
She concluded by emphasizing that the existing legal framework is robust enough to address crimes against women, but its effective implementation falls within the purview of the state government. “It is crucial that the state machinery is fully sensitized and equipped to maximize the legal provisions made by the Central Government to ensure the safety and security of women and girls in West Bengal,” the minister added, expressing hope for the state’s commitment to creating a safe and equal society.
