Online Desk  :   The Women and Child Abuse Prevention Act is being amended to expedite rape case proceedings, mandating investigations within 15 days and trials within 90 days, announced Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul.  He shared these details during a press conference on contemporary issues at the ministry on Sunday, March 9.  Asif Nazrul explained that the changes address past delays caused by reassigning investigating officers. “Previously, switching officers slowed down cases. Under the amended law, the assigned officer must complete the investigation within the stipulated time and cannot be replaced,” he said.

The adviser highlighted significant reductions in timelines: “We’re cutting investigation time for rape cases from 30 days to 15 days and trial time from 180 days to 90 days. Trials must now conclude within 90 days.”  He added that bail provisions are also tightening. “The current law allows bail if trials exceed 180 days. The amended version eliminates bail in rape cases, regardless of delays.”  These amendments aim to ensure swifter justice for victims of rape under the revised legal framework.