Union Cabinet rejects Gujarat Anti-terror bill

New Delhi, Jun 19: The Union Cabinet, returned the Gujarat's anti-terror bill, Gujarat Control of Organised Crime Act (GUJCOCA) on Friday, Jun 19 for the second time, asking three amendments before it could be recommended to the President of India for acceptance.

P Chidambaram, the Union Home Minister said, "Under the proposed Gujarat Control of Organised Crime Act, a confession before a police officer is admissible in a court. This should be made inadmissible." He was addressing a press conference after a Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"The act also contains a clause stating that a court cannot grant bail if the public prosecutor opposes it. The court should have the power to grant bail even if the public prosecutor opposes it," Chidambaram added. The third amendment related to section 20 (2) of the act that the home minister did not specify.

Chidamabaram said that once the amendments are effected, the Cabinet will be in a position to recommend to the President to grant assent to the Act.

OneIndia News