Hours after Mamata Banerjee wrote a second letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the need of a stringent Central law to deal with heinous crimes like rape and murder, the Union Women and Child Development Minister hit back saying that the data provided by the Bengal CM was “inaccurate” and an “attempt to cover up delays” on the state’s end.
She asserted that existing laws already have stringent punishments to tackle violence and crimes against women. In the letter dated August 30, Annapurna Devi called on Mamata to expedite the establishment and operationalisation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) dedicated to handling cases of rape and those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the state.
The Union Minister also highlighted concerns over the state’s existing Fast Track Courts (FTCs) and urged the chief minister to ensure that justice is served swiftly and efficiently. Devi mentioned that the 88 Fast Track Courts established in West Bengal are not the same as FTSCs covered under the central government’s scheme.
She stated, “Despite the pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the state has not operationalized the additional 11 FTSCs, which may be exclusive POCSO courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO cases, as per the state’s requirement.”
Significantly, responding to Banerjee’s observation on the need to post permanent judicial officers in FTSCs, the Union Minister in her letter said the scheme guidelines clearly provide for one judicial officer and seven staff members to work exclusively for the disposal of rape and POCSO Act cases.
“Hence, an additional charge of FTSCs cannot be given to any permanent judicial officer or court staff. This position was clarified earlier to West Bengal,” Annapurna Devi added. Furthermore, Devi mentioned the comprehensive and stringent enactments under the current central government’s laws to tackle violence and crimes against women.
“I once again request you to ensure due sensitization and a positive approach from all duty holders at appropriate levels to ensure proper handling of cases with due care and attention to bring finality as per the timelines prescribed under the statutes,” she added.
