New Delhi [India], August 31: Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday for her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which called for fast-track courts and expedited investigations for crimes against women.
Devi claimed that the information in Banerjee's letter was "factually incorrect" and seemed to be an attempt to "cover up delays" in setting up Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) in West Bengal.
In her response, Devi noted that according to the Calcutta High Court, West Bengal has established 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which differ from the FTSCs under the Central Government Scheme. She pointed out that despite a backlog of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases, the state has not yet operationalized the additional 11 FTSCs required to address these issues.
Banerjee's letter to PM Modi, sent after a national outcry over the rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, requested stricter central legislation and time-bound case resolutions for such crimes.
Devi emphasized that the central government's scheme mandates exclusive staff and judicial officers for FTSCs, as opposed to permanent officers, and reiterated that stringent punishments for rape are already provided under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She added that the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita includes provisions for completing investigations within two months.
Devi concluded by urging Banerjee to adhere to central legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure justice for victims, and to ensure that cases are handled properly and timely in accordance with legal requirements.
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