WB to set up fast-track courts to hear crimes against women

Kolkata: Acting promptly in the aftermath of the December 16 brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old girl in New Delhi who later died in a Singapore hospital, the West Bengal government on Wednesday decided to set up 88 fast-track courts to hear crimes against women.

A decision to this effect was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee said despite the financial crisis, the government took the decision to set up the courts to ensure that "cases of crime against women are fast tracked and to render expeditious justice". Chatterjee said that posts of 94 judges would be created for the purpose besides appointment of other staff. The posts of judges would be permanent, he pointed out. After the Delhi gang rape incident, Mamata Banerjee had called for strong anti-rape laws and favoured calling a special session of Parliament to discuss the issue. PTI