controversial GCTOC bill passed in Gujarat assembly
The bill, which was earlier returned by the President thrice to the state government for reconsideration when Narendra Modi was CM, was passed by a majority vote amid stiff resistance from opposition Congress, which walked out of the House over its controversial provisions.
The state government re-introduced the Gujarat Control of Organised Crime (GUJCOC) Bill in the assembly after renaming it. The bill, however, has retained the controversial provisions.
The contentious provisions of the bill include admissibility of evidence collected through telephonic interception and confession made before police officer as evidence in court.
The GUJCOC Bill, which was on the lines of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), was rejected in 2004 and 2008 by then President AJP Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil respectively.
The bill is a modified version of the original 2003 Gujarat Control of Organized Crime (GUJCOC) Bill which was not cleared by the earlier NDA and UPA governments for last one decade. Now that Narendra Modi has become Prime Minister with full majority at the centre, the Patel government in Gujarat is hopeful of getting presidential assent shortly.
Rajanikant Patel, minister of state (MOS), home in his 'Statement of Objects and Reason's said, "organized crime has for quite some years now come up as a very serious threat to our society. With economic progress, Gujarat is facing threat of terrorism and economic offences. Gujarat has a 1600-km sea border and a 500-km land border with Pakistan. The state has witnessed several terrorist attacks."
"Considering all these facts, then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi introduced the bill but it was rejected by the then UPA government at the centre and now the chief minister Anandiben Patel wants to reintroduce again. Pakistan has become the epicentre of world terrorism that's why this act is necessary for Gujarat.
The present laws are not enough to secure safety of six crore people of Gujarat. This law is for the safety of Gujarat and the country. The act is accordance with the constitution and have enough checks to prevent misuse by police," he said.
