Anti-touting Bill reaches Delhi Assembly

The Delhi Cabinet on Monday approved the decision to get the anti-touting ordinance,introduced during the Commonwealth Games,during the Winter Session of the Legislative Assembly to be passed as law.

The will be the first time that a criminal law will be discussed in the Delhi Assembly. The decision was taken by the Delhi government after it received permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Criminal law is a Union subject,but since this is regarding public order it comes under the concurrent list, said a senior official of the Delhi government.

According to the bill,the offence will be cognizable and bailable and any one indulging in touting or committing malpractice can face imprisonment up to one year or a penalty which may extend to Rs 10,000 or both. Further,any attempt to commit an offence will be punished with imprisonment up to three months,or a fine of maximum Rs 2,000,or both.

The draft bill also envisages powers of police officers. The Commissioner of Police or any authorised police officer not below the rank of DCP will have the power to send any person,who is habitually or repeatedly involved in such activities,out of Delhi for a period not less than six months,and which may extend to one year.

We felt that a law on touting was essential as there was no provision in the Indian Penal Code that directly handles it, said Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

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