The Hindu : National : President urged to hold Chhattisgarh Bill

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 06, 2006

National

National

President urged to hold Chhattisgarh Bill

Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The People's Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) on Saturday submitted a memorandum to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam demanding that he withhold assent to the recently passed Chhattisgarh Special Public Safety Bill, 2005.

The Bill has been sharply criticised by human rights organisations for its potential to throttle free speech, legitimate dissent and threaten the existence of civil society organisations in the State. It was passed by the Chhattisgarh Assembly without substantial discussion, during a walkout by the Opposition.

In its memorandum, the PUDR said that the Bill dramatically broadens the ambit of what is deemed `unlawful' going well beyond the definition in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

It pointed out that the Bill provides for imprisonment up to two years of persons who are not members of, but make contributions to, `unlawful' organisations. The PUDR pointed out that the Bill provided sweeping powers to the District Magistrate to notify, and take occupation of a place being used for `unlawful' activities. The District Magistrate would also be empowered to seize all movable properties in the place andevict persons living in the notified place.

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