Gujarat anti-terror bill gets president’s nod, know provisions and controversial aspects

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the 'Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime Bill' also known as Gujarat anti-terror bill. Now, under the Gujarat Terrorism and Organized Crime Control Act, investigating agencies can record phone calls and present them in court as evidence.

According to this law, any act which is intended to disrupt law and order or public order or endanger the unity, integrity and security of the state or to spread terror in the minds of any certain section of people, will fall into the category of terrorism.

Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Bill (GCTOC)

• It includes economic offences under GCTOC like Ponzi Schemes, Fake Multi-Level Marketing Schemes and organized betting.
• One of the most important features of this law is that intercepted phone calls can now be considered as legitimate evidence.
• The act includes forced recovery, land grabbing, contract killings, cybercrime and human trafficking.
• There is a provision for 5 years of jail or life imprisonment in cases of involvement or planning any such crime. Also, there is a provision of life imprisonment and capital punishment in the context of the death of a person as a result of such crimes.
• The law provides for the constitution of a special court in the context of organized crimes as well as the appointment of special public prosecutors.
• As per the provisions of the law, assets acquired through organized crimes can be auctioned and the transfer of assets can be cancelled.

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Background

The Gujarat Terrorism and Organized Crime Control Bill was introduced in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly in 2003. Earlier, it was named Gujarat Control of Organised Crime Bill. The President of India has rejected this bill three times in the years 2004, 2008 and 2015.

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