Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis stated on Saturday that describing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a "looter" will not be tolerated. His statement comes in response to Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Jayant Patil's claim that the Maratha king sought extortion from Surat to expand his Swarajya. The Maharashtra Deputy CM also appealed to Indian scholars to come together to correct the misrepresentation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which he said was rooted in the narrative created by English historians. "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being viewed through the lens of English historians," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader remarked, calling for scholars to rectify the historical inaccuracies in portraying the 17th-century Maratha king, reported PTI. "My sole point is that my king was never a looter. I will not tolerate anyone calling him that. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was never a plunderer and never troubled common people," the Maharashtra Deputy CM said during a press briefing in Mumbai. Criticising the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Fadnavis suggested that those leaders, whose government had been labelled an "extortionist regime," would naturally think in terms of extortion. His comments were a direct response to NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) Maharashtra unit president Jayant Patil's remarks that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had demanded extortion from Surat. What did Maharashtra leader Jayant Patil say? At an event on Friday, Patil claimed, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had informed Surat that we (the Maratha army) need a specific amount as extortion." He went on to explain that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did not receive the requested amount, and instead, a Mughal messenger was sent to retaliate against the Maratha king. According to Patil, this incident led to the looting of Surat by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, after the Mughal messenger was killed. Patil clarified that while looters act to fill their coffers, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj secured the wealth for Swarajya, distinguishing the Maratha king’s actions from mere looting. The 1664 Battle of Surat, in which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated Mughal commander Inayat Khan, has resurfaced amid a sharp verbal clash between BJP and MVA over the collapse of the Maratha king's statue in Sindhudurg district. Fadnavis reignited the debate by accusing the Congress of promoting an incorrect version of the Battle of Surat, portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a plunderer. He countered this narrative by stating, "Maharaj didn’t loot Surat. He only retrieved Swarajya's treasure from the rightful sources." These remarks have prompted opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), and Congress, to accuse the BJP of attempting to "rewrite history." However, Fadnavis stood firm, reiterating that the Maratha king’s legacy should not be tarnished by incorrect historical portrayals. (With PTI inputs)
07 September,2024 10:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA ticket examiner from the Mumbai Division of Central Railway, in an act of bravery, saved a passenger from being pulled under a moving train. On Friday, when train no 11029 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-Kolhapur Koyna Express arrived on Platform no 3 of Pune station, a woman inadvertently slipped and was in imminent danger of being pulled under the moving train. Ramavtar Meena, who was the on duty travelling ticket examiner immediately pulled the lady to safety. The on-duty Chief Ticketing Inspector, BR Meena, witnessed Ramavtar trying to pull the woman back into the train. He joined Ramavtar in pulling the lady back to safety and the duo managed to save the passenger's life. WR staffer saves life of unconscious passenger at Marine Lines station In a heroic act, Superintendent of Marine Lines station on Western Railway in Mumbai through his quick thinking helped to save the life of a passenger who fell unconscious at the station during the peak hours, the officials said on Saturday. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that on August 29, 2024, at around 2:55 pm, Station Superintendent Pradip Biswas received a report that a passenger was lying unconscious at Platform No. 2/3. Biswas immediately went to the scene and took the passenger to the station’s Emergency Medical Room (EMR) for medical help. Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Shri Biswas, with the assistance of others, performed Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). After about 15 minutes, the passenger regained consciousness. The patient, identified as 41-year-old Subhash Joshi from Manvelpada, Virar (E), was then transported to GT Hospital by ambulance and later moved to Reliance Hospital for further treatment. "Western Railway is dedicated to providing a safe and secure travel experience for all its passengers. The Western Railway is always at the forefront in protecting the lives of commuters during their journeys as well as ensuring their well-being and peace of mind," the statement said. According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, on 29th August, 2024, the on-duty Station Superintendent of Marine Lines, Pradip Biswas received a message at around 14:55 hrs that a passenger was lying unconscious at Platform No. 2/3. Biswas rushed to the site and took him to the Emergency Medical Room (EMR) of the station for medical assistance. He immediately applied Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) through the Automated External Defibrillator with the help of others present. After around 15 minutes, the passenger regained consciousness and thereafter, he was sent to GT hospital by 108 Ambulance. Later, he was transferred to Reliance Hospital for further medical treatment. "Pradip Biswas mentioned that he was able to save a precious life due to the training he had received recently on how to operate the Automated External Defibrillator which was conducted by Rotary Club of Bombay Airport," the statement further said.
07 September,2024 09:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday took part in the Paryushan Mahaparva 2024 celebrations with Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, in the presence of global spiritual leader, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, reported news agency ANI. Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and other dignitaries were also present at the event. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Radhakrishnan said, "I am honoured to attend the Paryushan Mahaparva celebrations with Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur. Paryushan is more than just a Jain festival — it represents humanity. It is inspiring to witness such a large gathering, especially the youth, drawn to the wisdom of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, who continues to spread the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandraji across the globe." He added, "Leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modiji are inspired by saints like Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji and work for the welfare of society. The 5S programme—Satsang, Seva, Sadhana, Sports, and Sanskriti—designed by Gurudevshri not only nurtures the spiritual but also the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. The Mission's commendable work, especially in uplifting the tribal community and supporting both humans and animals, is truly admirable, and I look forward to partnering with them for tribal welfare." As per a release, the Maharashtra Governor also launched Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur's mega campaign, 'Power of One'. The sacred day of Samvatsari was observed by putting Jain teachings of 'Universal Compassion' into action and seeking inner cleansing through forgiveness. "The Paryushan Mahaparva celebrations with Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji are essential for anyone wishing to deepen their spiritual understanding. Each programme highlighted the spiritual and cultural essence of the festival—from the uplifting 'Snatra Puja' in the mornings to the devotional evening showcases, including the play 'Jain Dharma Ka Yashogaan,' a profound Sound Bath and Candlelight Meditation, and the musical presentation 'Legacy of Greatness' by the children of Shrimad Rajchandra Divinetouch, culminating in grand celebrations of Lord Mahavir's birth," the release noted. Earlier in the day, Governor Radhakrishnan also performed Ganesh Puja and Aarti at his residence, 'Jal Bhushan,' in Raj Bhavan as part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. He was joined by his family, officers, and staff from Raj Bhavan during the Aarti. (With ANI inputs)
07 September,2024 09:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA minor fire broke out in the electrical duct in a 16-storey residential building in Kurla (East) area of Mumbai on Saturday afternoon. Three people have been hospitalised after they complained of suffocation, officials in Mumbai civic body said. The fire started in the duct on the fourth floor of Savera Heights in Nehru Nagar around 2.40 pm, said a release issued by the Mumbai civic body. The blaze was confined to the electric wiring and installations in the duct from fourth to the 15th floor of the ground-plus-upper 17-floored building. Three vehicles of Mumbai fire brigade reached the spot immediately, it said, adding that the cause of the blaze was yet to be ascertained. The fire was extinguished at 3.06 pm. After three residents complained of suffocation, they were rushed to the Rajawadi Hospital. The condition of the residents, identified as Anisha Hiwale. 55; Ashok Hiwale, 59; and Manisha Pathare, 38, are said to be stable. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
07 September,2024 08:26 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will be on a two-day visit to India on Sunday to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid escalating tensions in West Asia, reported PTI. "The visit of Al Nahyan will further reinforce strong ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and open avenues for partnership in new and emerging areas," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, announcing the Crown Price's maiden trip to India. "India and UAE share historically close and friendly ties. In recent years, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE has deepened in a wide range of areas including political, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and culture," it said. Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince will hold talks on Sunday, covering a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation, it further informed. Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are also expected to deliberate on the overall situation arising out of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Apart from Prime Minister Modi, the Crown Prince is also scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and later will visit the Rajghat to pay his tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He will be accompanied by several ministers from the UAE government as well as a business delegation. On Monday, Al Nahyan will visit Mumbai to participate in a business forum, in which top business leaders from both the countries will be participating. According to MEA, the Crown Prince's visit comes following an invitation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following Modi's landmark visit to UAE in August 2015, the bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 and a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System last year in July to promote the use of Indian Rupee and AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) for cross-border transactions. The two countries are among each other's top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about USD 85 billion in 2022-23, according to official data. The UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23. The 3.5 million Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE. Last year, the UAE was invited as a special invitee for the G20 Summit during India's Presidency of the grouping. In Feb 2023, the India-UAE-France (UFI) trilateral was formally launched. With India's active support, the UAE joined SCO as dialogue partner in May 2023. The UAE also joined BRICS as a member on January 1 with India's support. The India-UAE defence cooperation has also witnessed a renewed momentum in the last few years. In January 2024, the first India-UAE bilateral army exercise 'Desert Cyclone' was held in Rajasthan. (With PTI inputs)
07 September,2024 05:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWith the Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities kicking off on Saturday amid full enthusiasm across the country, a unique celebration in Mumbai has caught everyone's attention. #WATCH | Maharashtra: An idol of Lord Ganesh seated on the replica of LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet at a residence in Mumbai. Interior designer who designed this, says that he builds the idols each year based on the developments that take place in India that year.… pic.twitter.com/GiGx7w0Izy — ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024 An idol of Lord Ganesh has been placed on the replica of the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet at a home in Mumbai, highlighting a creative fusion of tradition and India's modern-day achievements, reported news agency ANI.The replica has been created by interior designer Deepak Lavjibhai Makwana. He shared that every year, he crafts his idols to show the key developments in India."I take up the theme based on development that takes place in India every year. Tejas' new generation aircraft has been launched this year. So I designed this based on that theme. I prepared the concept two to two-and-a-half months back. It took me 10-12 days to build this," Makwana told ANI.Makwana's previous creations include replicas of the Vande Bharat train, the COVID vaccine, Ram Mandir, Chandrayaan, and the Statue of Unity.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt wishes for Ganesh Chaturthi through a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Heartiest greetings of Ganesh Chaturthi to all countrymen. Ganpati Bappa Morya!"Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant 10-day festival, will continue until Anantha Chaturdashi, which falls on September 17. This festival, also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi, honours Lord Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles,' celebrating his wisdom and intelligence.Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the excitement of Ganeshotsav 2024 is palpable with the unveiling of the Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the city's most renowned Ganesh idols.The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has been a prominent figure in the festival since 1934, and the Kambli family has overseen its care for over eighty years.At Nagpur's Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi, which is 250 years old, celebrations began with the traditional morning prayers and aarti. Known for its self-existent deity, this temple continues to be a significant site for devotees during the festival.Across Maharashtra and beyond, preparations for Ganeshotsav 2024 are in full swing. Devotees are bringing Ganesh idols into their homes, preparing offerings, and visiting pandals, contributing to the festive atmosphere that marks this vibrant celebration. (With ANI inputs)
07 September,2024 05:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA day after Maharashtra Minister Gulabrao Patil took a dig at the Finance Department led by Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar on Saturday said that everything was going well in the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Patil, who is a minister from Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde's Shiv Sena, had stated that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief-led finance department was "incompetent". When asked about the minister's comment, Narvekar said, "When three or four people live in a house, there could be some discord. It does not mean something is wrong; everything is going well in Mahayuti."On Friday, while speaking at a public event, Patil said, "A department as incompetent as the finance department... My file must have gone to the finance department 10 times, yes, 10 times... After going there, our file used to continuously come out negative, continuously negative, but I did not leave it and neither did the people with me leave it," he saidReacting to Patil's criticism, Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said, "Dada (Ajit Pawar) has been the Finance Minister 10 times and has handled the finance department. I pray to Lord Ganesh to give wisdom to all those who are our friends, leaders and workers of Mahayuti so that we don't make any statement against ourselves. We have to show that we are all one in Mahayuti, and will be going before the people of Maharashtra unitedly in the upcoming election. The Mahayuti government has given good programmes and schemes to people. A good atmosphere is being created. No one should try to ruin it." The dates for the Maharashtra elections have not been declared yet but the term of the Assembly ends next month. The Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena and NCP are in power in the state. While the decision on seat-sharing is still pending, NCP wants its Mahayuti partners to share the Assembly seats on (electoral) merit basis. It has reminded about the discussion the partners had about it and is expected to take a tougher stand while negotiating on the table. (With ANI inputs)
07 September,2024 04:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bandra West Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Mumbai has recreated a 52-foot replica of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, located at Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, for public viewing on the occasion of Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities. The memorial in Tamil Nadu is built in honour of late spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda. The Bandra-based mandal is renowned for recreating the exact replicas of prominent places of worship. Last year, it had recreated the replica of Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple and the years prior to it, the mandal had made replicas of Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand, Lord Vitthal temple in Maharashtra, the Pashupatinath temple of Nepal, Sai Samadhi Mandir of Shirdi, and Goa's Shri Mangesh, reported news agency PTI. "For Ganeshotsav 2024, the mandal has recreated the famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Special lamps that have been brought from Hyderabad will be an attraction for youngsters," said Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and legislator Ashish Shelar, who is the chief advisor of this mandal, which is in its 29th year of Ganeshotsav celebrations. गणपती बाप्पा मोरया!!!यंदाच्या गणेशोत्सवात १८९२ मध्ये स्वामी विवेकानंदांनी आणि लोकसभा निवडणुकीनंतर पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांनी ध्यानधारणा केलेल्या खडकांवर उभारल्या गेलेल्या कन्याकुमारी येथील स्वामी विवेकानंद स्मारकाची ५२ फुटी हुबेहुब प्रतिकृती वांद्रे पश्चिम सार्वजनिक गणेशोत्सव… pic.twitter.com/Q9O53Qp6I4 — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) September 7, 2024 During the silver jubilee year celebrations in 2020, the mandal had recreated the replica of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's house in Ratnagiri. Tilak had made the Ganeshotsav celebrations public in Maharashtra to promote social unity during the colonial rule. "The mandal is housed in Bandra Reclamation, and inhabitants from different castes and religions participate and celebrate every festival with the same excitement and enthusiasm here. Every year, many dignitaries from the fields of films, sports, politics and social sector visit this mandal to seek the blessings of Lord Ganpati, making it one of the most prominent mandals," Shelar said. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a monument and popular tourist attraction off mainland of Vavathurai in Kanyakumari. It stands on one of the two rocks located about 500 metres from the southern tip of India. In 1970, the Vivekananda Memorial Committee built the memorial in honour of Swami Vivekananda, who is said to have attained enlightenment while meditating on these rocks, around December 1892. The Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities began in Maharashtra and other parts of the world on Saturday amid great enthusiasm. In the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with his family, performed the 'Aarti' on Ganesh Chaturthi, and offered prayers for the prosperity and happiness of the people. (With PTI inputs)
07 September,2024 03:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with his family, performed the 'Aarti' on Ganesh Chaturthi, offering prayers and wishing for the prosperity and happiness of the people. Speaking to ANI, Chief Minister Shinde said, "I extend best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi...The state government has taken several decisions for the development of the public of Maharashtra...The youth will get more employment opportunities...Various schemes have been implemented to empower women." #WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, "I extend best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi...The state government has taken several decisions for the development of the public of Maharashtra...The youth will get more employment… pic.twitter.com/4VpZAD9QLK — ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024 Shinde added, "Ganeshotsav has begun in Maharashtra, and idols are being installed with great devotion. We should all pray to Ganpati Bappa wholeheartedly. I also hope that farmers have a joyful year. This time, we’ve had good rainfall, and the state government is working hard to assist those affected by heavy rains." He further emphasised the government’s focus on creating more employment opportunities for the youth and implementing schemes to empower women. #WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde offers prayers to Lord Ganesh on the occasion of #GaneshChaturthi2024(Source: Eknath Shinde's social media) pic.twitter.com/HdHZIGCoRq — ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024 Ganeshotsav 2024: Uddhav, family visit Lalbaugcha Raja Meanwhile, former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, along with his wife Rashmi and son Aaditya Thackeray, visited the famous Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai to offer prayers. Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan also performed Ganesh puja and 'Aarti' at his residence, 'Jal Bhushan,' in Raj Bhavan. The governor was joined by his family and Raj Bhavan staff as part of the celebrations. Ganeshotsav 2024: Festivities begin with fanfare Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival, started today and will conclude on Ananta Chaturdashi. Devotees across Maharashtra are bringing idols into their homes and visiting pandals for the festivities. The first look of Mumbai's iconic Lalbaugcha Raja idol was revealed on Thursday, days before the festival. This idol, cared for by the Kambli family for over eight decades, is housed at the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, established in 1934. In Nagpur, celebrations at the Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi began with traditional prayers and 'Aarti'. This temple said to be 250 years old, is known for its self-existent deity, whose shrine is believed to grow over time. With ANI inputs
07 September,2024 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 10-day Ganeshotsav celebration began on Saturday in Maharashtra, with houses and public pandals greeting Lord Ganesh idols in a joyful environment full of excitement and delight. Early in the morning, families, including youngsters and the old, went out to bring their cherished deity home, chanting "Ganpati Bappa Morya" and thumping drums. Many devotees conveyed the idols in autorickshaws, cars, and other vehicles, with traditional 'dhol-tasha' (drum) troupes providing rhythm to the processions, reported PTI. According to the report, in recent days, various public mandals (groups that celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in public places) organised big processions to carry their Ganesh idols. These statues will now be placed in houses and pandals, with devotees performing rituals. As the celebrations began, marketplaces were packed with people buying flowers, puja materials, chocolates, and other goods. Many politicians and Bollywood celebrities were also seen erecting idols in their homes, which is a yearly custom. Ganeshotsav 2024: Nearly 15,000 police troops deployed Approximately 15,000 police troops, including senior officials, have been deployed in Mumbai to ensure festival security. An official revealed that 32 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 45 Assistant Commissioners, 2,435 officials, and over 12,000 constables, house guards and members of the State Reserve Police Force, Rapid Action Force and Riot Control Unit will be on duty, the report added. This year, around 2,500 Ganesh mandals and thousands of houses in Mumbai will celebrate the holiday. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) received 3,358 applications from mandals and granted approval to 2,635 of them. Famous places in Mumbai, including Lalbaug, Parel, Girgaon, Andheri, Chembur, and Fort, have already been decked with bright, colourful lights. Popular pandals like as 'Lalbaugcha Raja' are expected to draw large crowds, as are well-known mandals in Chinchpokli, Ganesh Gully, and Tejukaya. The GSB Seva Mandal in Matunga, known for embellishing its idols with gold ornaments, is regarded as one of the richest mandals, according to the PTI report. Ganeshotsav 2024: CM Shinde urges people to celebrate in eco-friendly matter Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asked people to celebrate the event in an environmentally friendly manner. Shinde's message expressed hope that Lord Ganesh would bless everyone and asked people to protect Maharashtra's traditional legacy throughout the festival. He also asked devotees to support the destitute and underprivileged. Meanwhile, the BMC has issued a caution against stingray and jellyfish attacks while immersing Ganesh idols in the Arabian Sea. The Fisheries Department conducted 'trial netting' and discovered dangerous fish such as Dhomi, Kolambi, Shingti, Blue Jellyfish, Ghoda Masa, and others in the Girgaon and Dadar shores. The BMC asked citizens to exercise caution during idol immersion.
07 September,2024 01:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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. Since its inception, the legislation intended to protect and empower women has provoked heated discussion. The measure, which aims to address growing concerns about women's safety and rights, has piqued the interest of legislators, campaigners, and legal experts across India. With the potential to transform the legal landscape, many are wondering if this measure could create a precedent for other states, including Maharashtra. What is the Aparajita Bill? In response to growing concern about sexual violence, the West Bengal Assembly passed a stringent anti-rape bill in 2024, to provide justice to victims and deter abusers. The draft, known as the "Aparajita Woman and Child Bill," has numerous key provisions to tighten the state's sexual assault legislation. One of the bill's primary features is the application of the death sentence on people guilty of rape and murder. This extreme penalty conveys a strong message and serves as a deterrent. In addition, any other rape offender faces life in jail without the possibility of parole under the measure. The Act also suggests speeding the trial process to ensure that victims receive justice as soon as possible. To better protect survivors, the bill includes provisions to secure their identities and offer thorough medical and psychological care. While it has been praised as a significant step towards safeguarding women's safety and dignity, it remains unclear whether other states will follow suit. In a conversation with mid-day, experts weigh in on whether the Aparajita Bill will bring meaningful change, its potential influence on other states and the broader implications it could have on how crimes against women are addressed. Women’s Rights Activists Speak When asked for her thoughts on West Bengal’s Aparajita Bill, Aksharacentre’s co-director Nandita Gandhi said that the introduction of laws against rape or modifications of the same is not a “current” thing. It has been that way since the Mathura rape case of the 1980s, she said. “The Aparajita Bill is the TMC government’s political reaction to the widespread protests. The government had to ensure that it would propose stringent laws (given the present scenario in the eastern state),” said Gandhi. The activist added that a new law must be well thought out and not be announced hastily. Invoking the remission of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, Gandhi added, “Just punishing is not enough; ensuring that a convict completes the commuted sentence is equally important.” Meanwhile, women’s rights activist Brinda Adige opined that although the draft legislation calls for stricter punishments, it did not address how will the government implement it if it gets clearance. The Aparajita Bill proposes the creation of a special task force for investigating specific crimes, but several critical questions remain unanswered regarding its implementation. Key concerns include the procedure for appointing task force members, budgetary allocations, and the necessary infrastructure. Without clear guidelines for training the police, doctors, social workers, and counsellors, as well as providing the required facilities, the task force may struggle to function effectively. This raises doubts about whether the investigations will eventually be handed over to central agencies, such as the CBI, due to inefficiencies, she said. The activist added that comparisons can be drawn with other key statutes, such as the Juvenile Justice Act, which mandates particular features such as child protection officers across police stations, even if funds are taken from other areas. The lack of clarity in the Aparajita Bill, particularly regarding fiscal and procedural aspects, poses a substantial challenge. In India, departments like the police, the Department of Women and Child Development, and the state legal services authority frequently work in silos. This fragmented approach impedes the proper operation of an investigation team of a variety of expertise. A similar issue has been noted in the operation of Nirbhaya Fund's One Stop Crisis Centres, which frequently fail to work with police and other relevant departments, Brinda added. The Justice Verma Commission suggested fast-track courts for cases involving crimes against women, with trials to be completed within a year. However, this has mainly gone unmet due to a shortage of judges, courtrooms, and other required resources. The formation of special courts for the expedited resolution of cases, as envisaged in the Aparajita Bill, meets comparable challenges. Furthermore, the requirements for the "specified offences" that these courts will handle require a clearer specification, Brinda suggested. West Bengal, where the bill originates, must address whether it plans to reform its police and judicial systems to meet these requirements, as law enforcement and crime prevention are state responsibilities. Unless budgetary allocations and procedural frameworks are put in place, the effectiveness of the bill remains questionable, she said. Political reactions When asked about whether Maharashtra needs a bill like the Aparajita Bill, BJP leader and former MLA Krishna Hegde said that the Mahayuti government will implement the Bharatiya Stree Shakti Bill which will ensure that the survivor/victim gets speedy justice. "In cases of crimes against women, including sexual offences, there's a need for speedy justice. Once the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is re-elected, we will table the Stree Bill. Through the bill we will ensure victim/survivor gets speedy justice and the accused is given stringent punishment," Hegde said. He too advocated for harsher punishments like the death penalty and life imprisonment. Hegde added, "People don't fear punishment which in a way encourages them to repeatedly commit offences. Instilling a fear factor is necessary as it could serve as an effective deterrent." The BJP leader, responding to a question regarding how one can ensure effective implementation of said bills could be done, said that the police personnel should be held accountable. "Police officials also have to responsibly investigate a case and ensure speedy justice is done. In case it is not being followed, the police personnel in charge should be sacked. Responsibility should be fixed on the DCP-level officer if the probe is shoddily conducted. Usually, police personnel have a redressal system and at most, they are transferred. The legislature should have provision to sack officers if they don't investigate appropriately," Hegde said, adding that the Home Minister cannot be held accountable for everything. Police Speak IPS officer PK Jain, speaking to mid-day, said that the Aparajita Bill passed by the West Bengal government is a landmark bill like the MCOCA Act. He, however, pointed out that the bill must have certain provisions to ensure that one authority should oversee the appointment of fast-track courts for cases of crimes against women. "The passing of Aparajita Bill is appreciable and it should be effectively implemented sooner. This is similar to when Maharashtra introduced the MCOCA act which initially saw a conviction rate of 92-93 per cent which has since reduced. There should be a bounded responsibility on the Chief Minister and Home Minister in ensuring that these bills, once they become law, are effectively implemented," said the Former Maharashtra senior police officer. He further told mid-day that instead of each state introducing bills similar to West Bengal's proposed legislation, the Government of India should adopt the bill and modify it so it can be uniformly implemented across the country. "Aparajita Bill is the beginning (of reforms)," he said. A precedent in the making? The Aparajita Bill is undeniably a bold and progressive step towards improving women’s rights and safety in India. While its potential to set a precedent for other states, including Maharashtra, is promising, much will depend on how well it is implemented and adapted to local contexts. As experts have pointed out, the success of this bill will hinge on its enforcement, inclusivity, and ability to address the root causes of crimes. If states can rise to meet these challenges, the Aparajita Bill could pave the way for a safer and more equitable future for women in India.
07 September,2024 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjana DeshpandeADVERTISEMENT
