Gujarat PASA Act to get more teeth

GANDHINAGAR: In a significant development, the state government is all set to amend the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Act, 1985, by bringing in sexual offences, cyber crimes, money lending sharks and organisers of gambling dens under its ambit.
Government sources said PASA Act will be amended either though an ordinance or by legislation in the upcoming monsoon session of Gujarat assembly. The cabinet has asked officials concerned to prepare a draft bill/ordinance to amend the Act. “The amendments will include introducing new categories of crimes. Criminal activities like sexual assault, cyber frauds and gambling will be brought under PASA Act. The amendments will be in the form of a billor as an ordinance,” said sources.
IG level officer to get powers
Sources close to the development said that the most significant change proposed is a shift of authority from the administrative department to police department in invoking PASA against an accused. "Currently, detention orders under PASA are issued by district magistrates in districts where there are no police commissionerates. Now, ange IG level officer will get powers to take action under PASA," said a senior officer close to the development. It needs mention that PASA is generally used as a detention measure by police authorities in keeping accused criminals behind bars. Currently, it is used maximum in prohibition cases.