Minister Annapurna Devi wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Background of the Incident
On August 9, a tragic incident occurred at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where a junior doctor was subjected to rape and murder. This horrendous crime has sparked nationwide protests, demanding justice for the victim. In response to the outcry, Central Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, took to writing to West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.
The Letter from Minister Annapurna Devi
In her letter, Minister Annapurna Devi urged Chief Minister Banerjee to establish dedicated Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) in the state to expedite the resolution of cases related to rape, sexual offenses, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The minister emphasized the necessity for a more focused judicial approach to ensure quicker justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
Concerns Over Existing Fast Track Courts
Previously, on August 25, Minister Devi had reached out to CM Banerjee, and she received a response regarding the existing Fast Track Courts (FTC) in the state. In her follow-up letter on August 30, she expressed concerns over the current FTCs, urging the Chief Minister to ensure that victims of grievous crimes receive swift justice. While the state boasts 88 FTCs, Devi pointed out that they do not align with the central government’s recommendation for FTSCs specifically focused on sexual offenses.
Need for Specialized Courts
Minister Devi highlighted that the existing FTCs cover a broader range of offenses related to women, children, and the elderly, unlike the specialized FTSCs that deal exclusively with sexual assault, rape, and offenses under the POCSO Act. Such a focused judicial mechanism is crucial for addressing the complexities and sensitivities associated with these types of crimes.
Current Status of Pending Cases
In her correspondence, Minister Devi reviewed the alarming backlog in the state’s judicial system, reporting over 81,000 pending cases as of June 30, 2024, within the FTCs. A staggering 48,600 of these cases are linked to POCSO and rape. Despite this pressing issue, the state has yet to initiate the operations of the recommended 11 FTSCs.
Judicial Appointments in Fast Track Special Courts
Addressing the crucial matter of judicial appointments, Minister Devi suggested that FTSCs should employ judges specifically trained to handle cases under the POCSO Act and related sexual offenses. She emphasized that these positions should not be filled with temporary appointments but rather with permanent appointees to ensure stability and consistency in the pursuit of justice.
Legislative Measures for Sexual Assault Cases
Minister Devi reiterated that Indian Penal Code provisions already impose severe penalties for sexual offenses, with a minimum jail sentence of 10 years for rape, potentially escalating to life imprisonment or even the death penalty based on the gravity of the crime. She also referenced the Indian National Security Law (BNSL), which mandates forensic examinations within two months of a reported crime to facilitate timely investigations and trials.
The Call for Justice
In her letter, Minister Annapurna Devi made a heartfelt appeal to the West Bengal government to expedite justice for the “Nirbhaya of Kolkata.” She insisted on the complete enforcement of central laws while urging the prompt resolution of pending cases. The minister highlighted the urgent need to foster a safe environment free from violence and discrimination against women, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and engagement in combating such societal issues.
