UP Cabinet remembers Vajpayee; gives nod to proposal for changes in CrPC provisions

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet today paid glowing tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

The Cabinet meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityaraj, who condoled the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, government spokesman and minister Shrikant Sharma told reporters.

Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace and 'karmabhumi' of Atalji and the cabinet paid its homage to him and prayed for peace for his soul, he said.

The Cabinet also approved a draft bill proposing amending section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to restore certain provisions related to anticipatory bail in the state.

The cabinet approved the draft of the bill which will be tabled in the coming monsoon session of the Assembly, Sharma said, adding that certain anticipatory bill provisions were withdrawn in 1976.

Under the proposed provisions, the sessions courts will also be able to give anticipatory bail while earlier only the High Court could hear and grant them, the minister said adding that anticipatory bail will not be granted in cases where the maximum punishment is death sentence.

The proposed amendment will lower the burden on the High Court and Supreme Court, he said.