Hyderabad, Aug. 7 -- The Andhra Pradesh cabinet, chaired by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday decided to withdraw the "Disha Bill" brought in by the previous YSR Congress Party government to ensure speedy investigation and trial of crimes against women and children.

The Andhra Pradesh Disha Bill, 2019 (Criminal Law AP Amendment Bill) was unanimously passed by the state legislative assembly on December 13, 2019. It aims to fast-track rape and sexual offence trials to a maximum of 21 days and introduce the death penalty for heinous crimes.

Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, state information and public relations minister K Parthasarathy said the bill had been sent to the President for assent. The bill has since be...