The Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has given his approval for the extension of the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act, 1985, to Delhi. The proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for further consideration.
The Gujarat law allows for the preventive detention of individuals involved in activities such as bootlegging, drug offenses, immoral trafficking, and property grabbing. It aims to prevent their anti-social and dangerous actions that may disrupt public order.
The request for the extension of the Gujarat law to Delhi was made by the Delhi Home Department on June 27. After examining the draft notification, the Delhi Law Department determined that it must comply with the GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2021, the GNCTD (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, and the Transaction of Business Rules, 1993. These rules require the draft notification to be sent to the MHA for review.
The Delhi Home Department also considered implementing a similar law from Telangana, but ultimately concluded that the Gujarat law was more reasonable and well-suited for Delhi.
The Delhi Police had requested the examination of the provisions of the Gujarat Act in February 2023. The approval from the L-G was forwarded to the Delhi Police in October 2022 to assess both the Telangana and Gujarat laws before making a decision.
In addition to the extension of the Gujarat law, the L-G also approved a proposal in March for the Delhi Police to effectively use the National Security Act, 1980. This act provides for preventive detention in certain cases and is intended to maintain national security.
The decision to extend the Gujarat law to Delhi has garnered both support and criticism. Supporters argue that it will help curb illegal activities and maintain law and order in the city. Critics, on the other hand, have expressed concerns about potential misuse and violations of human rights.
It remains to be seen how the Ministry of Home Affairs will respond to the proposal. The decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the security landscape of Delhi and the rights of individuals in the city.
The extension of the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act, 1985, to Delhi is a significant development in the efforts to maintain public order and combat illegal activities. However, it is crucial to strike the right balance between security measures and safeguarding the rights of individuals. The decision should be based on thorough deliberation and consideration of different perspectives to ensure the best outcome for the city.
In summary, Delhi’s Lieutenant-Governor has cleared a proposal for extending the Gujarat detention law to the city and has sent it to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further review. The decision has its supporters and critics, and the final outcome will shape the security landscape of Delhi and the rights of its residents.
