A major disclosure shook the Winter Session on Tuesday when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Assembly that the Shakti Bill—designed to impose harsher punishments for crimes against women and children—has been returned by the Centre after being deemed legally unsound.
Speaking during a debate on women’s safety, Fadnavis said the Bill passed by the previous government contained provisions that clashed with central laws, including the IPC, CrPC and multiple Supreme Court rulings. Some clauses prescribed procedures and penalties beyond the State’s legislative authority, making the draft unconstitutional. “Because of these technical and constitutional issues, the Bill was returned. It could not be approved in its present form,” he told the House.
Fadnavis emphasised that the setback should not be misinterpreted as reluctance to strengthen women’s protections. Instead, he said it underscores the need for a law that is tough, enforceable and judicially sustainable. The State has now begun work on a revised Shakti Bill, which will retain stronger punishments and faster trial mechanisms while aligning fully with central legislation.
Opposition members questioned how such defects were overlooked earlier, though many agreed that a legally sound framework is essential for effective enforcement. Women’s groups welcomed the commitment but demanded swift action.
As the Session progresses, the reworked Shakti Bill is expected to remain a central point of debate.
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