Rajasthan Assembly Passes Bill to Deal with Organised Crime
Rajasthan has become the fourth state in India to pass a law against organised crime, with the state government citing the urgent need for strict measures to effectively tackle such activities. The move comes as the state Assembly also passed the Rajasthan Prisons Bill, 2023, and introduced a new Bill seeking life sentences for those involved in recruitment exam paper leaks.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal, in his response to a debate on the Rajasthan Control of Organised Crime Bill, 2023, stated that crime patterns in the state have shifted over the past decade. While heinous crimes were previously committed by individuals acting alone or in concert, Rajasthan has witnessed a rise in organised crime in recent years.
Dhariwal highlighted that Rajasthan will be the fourth state in the country to implement such a law, following Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. Policymakers and internal security experts have increasingly recognized the need for stringent laws to effectively address these criminal activities.
The Bill was passed by a voice vote in the Assembly. According to Section 28, the high court will have the power to establish special courts under the new law, while Section 29 enables the state government to create rules for its implementation. The state government can also introduce special procedural laws under Section 5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which has been utilized for this Bill.
A proposal to circulate the Rajasthan Control of Organised Crime Bill, 2023 for public opinions was rejected by the House. Additionally, the Rajasthan government introduced eight other Bills, including the Rajasthan Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which calls for life sentences for those involved in paper leaks. The Bills will be discussed and passed subsequently.
Addressing the Rajasthan Prisons Bill, 2023, Prisons Minister Tikaram Jully expressed the state government’s commitment to strengthening arrangements for imprisoned individuals. The bill aims to enhance correctional provisions, ensure basic human rights entitlements, and provide skill development and vocational training programs for prisoners.
This development comes as Rajasthan joins other states in making efforts to combat organised crime, with a focus on stricter laws and improved prison systems. By passing these Bills, Rajasthan aims to establish a comprehensive framework to effectively address diverse criminal activities and ensure the well-being of prisoners.
