In 2025, which authority raised serious objections to the Aparajita Bill 2024, citing punishments as excessively harsh?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Central Government

Explanation:
• The Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed by the West Bengal Assembly.
• In 2025, the Central Government raised serious objections during the Presidential Assent process, citing that several provisions conflict with central laws like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
• The Centre pointed out that the mandatory death penalty for certain offences was excessively harsh and lacked the judicial discretion required by constitutional law.
• Under Article 254 of the Constitution, if a State law on a Concurrent List subject is repugnant to a Central law, the Central law prevails unless the State law receives Presidential assent.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought clarifications from the state government regarding the legality and practicality of these punishments.

Information Booster:
• The Bill was introduced following the R.G. Kar Medical College incident to fast-track trials and provide stricter punishments for crimes against women.
• The Aparajita Bill proposed a 10-day limit for investigation and capital punishment for rape resulting in death or vegetative state.

Additional Knowledge:
Law Commission (Option a)
• Usually gives reports on general law reforms; while they may analyze such bills, the formal objection blocking the bill's path came from the Centre.
National Commission for Women (Option b)
• Generally advocates for stricter laws; however, the legal hurdle in 2025 was the administrative and constitutional objection from the Central Government.
Supreme Court (Option c)
• The Judiciary reviews laws for constitutionality once they are enacted; at the pre-assent stage, the Executive (Centre) handles the vetting.

So the correct answer is (d)