Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the letter, Banerjee had demanded the establishment of fast-track courts and expedited investigations for crimes against women. However, Devi has accused Banerjee of providing factually incorrect information, which she believes is an attempt to mask the states delays in operationalizing Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs).Annapurna Devis Response to Mamata BanerjeeDevis response to Banerjees letter highlighted discrepancies between the states claims and actual figures. She pointed out that West Bengal has established 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which differ from the Central Governments FTSCs, meant specifically for dealing with cases of rape and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The information contained in your letter in this regard is factually incorrect and appears to be a step in the direction to cover up the delays in operationalizing the FTSCs by the State, wrote Devi, urging the West Bengal government to implement the central scheme with fidelity.The Union Minister further revealed that, despite a backlog of 48,600 pending rape and POCSO cases, West Bengal has not operationalized an additional 11 FTSCs. These courts, as per the states requirement, could be exclusive POCSO Courts or combined FTSCs handling both rape and POCSO cases.Devi also addressed Banerjees concerns regarding the appointment of judicial officers. She clarified that the central schemes guidelines already provide for the exclusive appointment of one judicial officer and seven staff members to handle rape and POCSO cases. Hence, additional charge of FTSCs cannot be given to any permanent Judicial Officer or court staff, she stated.In response to Banerjees call for stricter legislation and penalties, Devi reiterated that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) already prescribes severe punishments, including a minimum of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for rape, extendable to life imprisonment or death. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) also mandates the completion of investigations, including forensic examinations, within two months of filing a charge sheet.Heres What Mamata Banerjee mentioned in her second letter to Centre:I have written this letter to the Honble Prime Minister of India in connection with an earlier letter of mine to him. This is a second letter in that reference. pic.twitter.com/5GXKaX6EOZ— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 30, 2024Devi concluded by urging Banerjee to ensure that the state follows central legislation meticulously to strengthen the criminal justice system and bring justice to victims promptly.
