Delhi assembly clears bill to amend CrPC

The Delhi assembly on Monday approved an amending bill to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) that seeks to widen the scope of magisterial enquiry.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, however, opposed the Code of Criminal Procedure (Delhi Amendment) Bill, 2015, saying the tabling of the bill first required the Centre's prior approval and by doing so the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had "challenged the Indian Parliament".

"Before tabling, the bill needs to be referred to the Centre. Not only is this illegal, but you have challenged the Indian Parliament," said Vijender Gupta, leader of the opposition.

Responding to the charges, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the "house was well within its right to amend the CrPc".

The legislation says that suspicious deaths, disappearances, alleged rapes in police custody will also come under magisterial enquiry.

The bill was tabled by the city's Home Minister Satyendra Jain, who said the magisterial enquiry was necessary where Delhi Police officials were accused.

The AAP government has slammed Delhi Police over the deteriorating law and order situation in the city and sought control over the police from the Centre.

Sisodia also tabled The Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound Delivery of Services) Bill to make government officials accountable for delay in delivery of services within a stipulated time.