Patna, Feb 28 (IANS) – The Nitish Kumar government has introduced the Bihar Crime Control Act, 2024, in the Bihar Assembly, granting powers to District Magistrates to detain anti-social elements for up to one year or exile them from the district for up to two years. The Act is yet to be passed in both Houses.
The Act will allow District Magistrates to arrest individuals without a warrant, with arrested persons given the opportunity to defend themselves and appeal to the Divisional Commissioner within 15 days. The definition of anti-social elements includes those involved in crimes, immoral activities, spreading hatred, trafficking, and cybercrime.
Furthermore, the Act includes provisions for the formation of an advisory board, headed by a judge of the Patna High Court, to review cases and acquit individuals if found not guilty. Additionally, inspectors and above-ranked officers are granted the authority to search persons and vehicles.
The details of the bill are yet to be disclosed, but sources suggest that the Act aims to address a wide range of offenses, from eve-teasing and illegal land grabbing to cybercrime. Once enacted, the Bihar Crime Control Act will empower District Magistrates and law enforcement officers to crack down on anti-social elements in the state.
Critics are concerned about the potential misuse of power with the broad definition of anti-social elements, while supporters argue that the Act is necessary to maintain law and order in Bihar. The fate of the bill now rests in the hands of the Assembly and Legislative Council, where its impact on civil liberties and crime prevention will be debated.
