PUCL Calls for Halt on New Criminal Laws: “We Need Time to Get This Right”

New Delhi, India: The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has sent a strong letter to the Law Ministers, urging them to postpone the implementation of several recently passed criminal laws. The organization argues that these laws require more time for proper scrutiny and public consultation to ensure they don’t infringe on fundamental rights.

What’s the Issue?

The PUCL specifically points to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019 and the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, expressing concern over their potential for misuse and abuse.

The PUCL highlights the following:

• The UAPA Amendment: This law broadens the definition of “terrorist act,” potentially criminalizing dissent and peaceful protest. The PUCL cites the recent case of the Bhima Koregaon case as an example of how this law has been misused against activists.

• The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act: This law empowers authorities to collect biometric data like iris scans and fingerprints from individuals suspected of committing offenses. The PUCL argues that this lacks adequate safeguards against potential misuse and discrimination.

Why the Urgency?

The PUCL stresses the importance of ensuring the laws are consistent with fundamental rights and principles of justice. They emphasize that rushed implementation could lead to serious consequences for individual liberties.

A Call for Action

The PUCL’s letter calls for the following steps:

• A complete review of the contentious provisions of the laws by an independent committee.

• Extensive public consultations with stakeholders to gather feedback and address concerns.

• A clear framework for ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of these laws.

This is not just about legal technicalities. The PUCL believes that these laws directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens and their ability to express themselves freely. They are urging the Law Ministers to take these concerns seriously and prioritize the protection of fundamental rights.

The PUCL’s action underscores the importance of robust legal processes and vigilant public advocacy in safeguarding our rights. This is a crucial moment to ensure that our laws are just, fair, and truly serve the interests of all citizens.

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