Guj bills on chain-snatching, building redevelopment get Prez

Two bills related to enhanced jail sentences for chain-snatchers and redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings respectively passed in the Gujarat Assembly last year got President Ram Nath Kovind's assent on Tuesday.

The Criminal Law (Gujarat Amendment) Bill and The Gujarat Ownership Flats (Amendment) Bill, passed in the Assembly's monsoon session last year, have been approved by the President, informed Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Minister of State for Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs.

He said both the bills will be notified as Acts after taking approval from the Election Commission in view of the model code of conduct in force for the April-May Lok Sabha polls.

The Criminal Law (Gujarat Amendment) bill sought an amendment in Section 379 (theft) of the Indian Penal Code so that a convicted chain-snatcher will get a maximum jail term of 10 years against the present provision of three years.

"Now, those found guilty of chain or purse snatching would face a minimum seven years of rigorous imprisonment which can go up to ten years, and a fine of Rs 25,000," Jadeja said.

Under the Gujarat Ownership Flats (Amendment) Bill, redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings can now be undertaken if 75 per cent owners give consent, as against the Gujarat Ownership Flats Act which requires that all 100 per cent give approval.