Governor Ram Naik Friday cleared UP Control of Goonda (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015 bringing offences like cow slaughter, human trafficking, animal trafficking, money laundering, molestation, bonded labour, child labour and even manufacturing and trading of illegal arms under the provisions of the Goonda Act.
The ordinance, which was recently cleared by the state Cabinet, was sent to Naik for clearance. Four new sub-clauses were proposed in the amendment, following which these new offences would also be punishable under the Goonda Act now.
Earlier, these crimes were treated as cognisable offence.
With the UP Legislature scheduled to meet on February 18, a legislation will have to be introduced to replace the measure.
The Uttar Pradesh Control of Goonda Act defines a goonda as a person, who either by himself or as a member or leader of a gang, habitually commits or attempts to commit, or abets the commission of an offence punishable under Section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) of IPC or has been convicted for an offence punishable under the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, 1956.
Anyone convicted not less than thrice for an offence punishable under the UP Excise Act, 1910, or the Public Gambling Act, 1867 or the Arms Act, 1959, or is considered dangerous to the community is also described as a goonda.
Besides, those habitually passing indecent remarks or teasing women or girls, or is a tout or house-grabber, fall in that category.
Among other provision, the Act allows such a person to be externed by the District Magistrate from the jurisdiction for a period of six months under.
In another decision, Governor constituted a three member committee under retired judge S K Tripathi to conduct preliminary inquiry against Vice-Chancellor of Chandra Shekhar Azad Agriculture University, Kanpur. There were allegations of corruption and anomalies in appointment of teachers. It was alleged that V-C made appointments under pressure from MPs, former ministers and others.
In the past, Governor had sent a copy of complaints to the V-C and had asked for his response. The committee has been asked to complete the inquiry within a month.
Indian Express | February 7, 2015
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