The issue of mob violence and lynching in West Bengal has brought into focus the stalled West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill of 2019, which aims to curb such incidents with stringent penalties, including death sentences for perpetrators. Despite its passage by the state assembly in August 2019, the bill has languished without the governor's assent, sparking a blame game between the Trinamool Congress-led state government and successive governors.
The Trinamool Congress alleges that the bill has been delayed due to the governor's office, accusing them of not granting assent despite the bill being sent for approval in September 2019. According to them, the governor had raised concerns and sought explanations that were not adequately addressed by the state government.
On the other hand, the governor's office, currently under CV Ananda Bose since November 2022, refutes these claims. They argue that the delay stemmed from discrepancies between the draft bill and the final version passed by the assembly, particularly regarding the inclusion of death penalty provisions that were not originally in the draft.
This deadlock reflects broader tensions between the state government and the governor's office, characterized by frequent clashes over various administrative and legislative matters. The friction has also escalated to personal legal battles, such as defamation suits, further complicating the political landscape.
Meanwhile, the incidents of mob violence and lynching continue unabated in West Bengal, prompting calls for urgent legislative action and effective policing. The state government has instructed the police to implement provisions of the 2019 bill, but without the governor's assent, its legal standing remains uncertain.
Ultimately, the delayed enactment of the anti-lynching bill underscores the challenges of governance amidst political confrontations, highlighting the need for consensus and cooperation to address critical issues affecting public safety and security in the state.
