Since mid-August 2024, India has witnessed a watershed renewal of protests over crimes against women. From Kolkata doctor rape-murder to the sexual assault of two toddlers in Badlapur, the incidents have reignited concerns about women’s safety and rights across the country. 

While the steadfast protestors continued their demonstrations, the West Bengal government–led by Mamata Banerjee–decided to table a bill which advocated for harsher punishments for convicts of sexual crimes. The draft legislation titled ‘Aparajita Woman and Child Bill’ was passed unanimously in the state assembly earlier this week and is the President’s assent away from being a law.