Centre sends Guj anti-terror bill back, asks for changes

The Union Cabinet today decided to return the tough anti-terror bill passed by the Gujarat Assembly back to the state government for making amendments in line with central law.     

Briefing reporters, Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Cabinet decided to recommend to the President that the GUJCOCA
(Gujarat Control of Organised Crime) Bill be returned to the state government for making three amendments.     

One of the amendments being suggested to the state government is that the provision that confession before a police officer will
be admissible should be dropped.     

Chidambaram added the Cabinet felt that assent could not be given to the state bill in its present form and changes should be
made to bring it in line with the Unlawful Activities Prevention of Terrorism Act passed by Parliament last year. 

The changes proposed by the Centre include confessions to a police officer, which are admissible under the Bill, should be made inadmissible and allowing courts the power to give bail after hearing the public prosecutor.     

"The Principles are that we will be able to recommend for the assent of the President of this only after the three provisions are amended to bring in conformity with what Parliament has passed recently, mainly UAP Act.That is as far as cabinet is concerned," Chidambaram said.