Bengal passes resolution for review of new criminal laws
Times of India | 3 August 2024
Kolkata: The state assembly on Thursday passed a resolution urging Centre to review the three newly introduced criminal laws — BNS, BSA and BNSS. Terming them “draconian”, Trinamool legislators moved the resolution under Rule 169. It was passed by voice vote.
Bengal law minister Moloy Ghatak said the laws were passed without proper consultation with stakeholders and the Law Commission.He said CM Mamata Banerjee had written three letters to Centre, urging them to consult relevant parties but her requests were not heeded.
Ghatak also pointed out that the laws were passed in Parliament on Dec 20, when opposition MPs were being suspended. “A state govt can suggest amendments or changes to these laws. The state has studied the acts in detail and held multiple discussions. Several provisions are draconian and anti-people,” he said.
State parliamentary affairs minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay said the new laws made a provision for anyone to register an FIR from anywhere in the country, which was in conflict with the jurisdictions of law and order under the State List of the Constitution. He also apprehended an increase in “Centre’s intrusion”.
BJP said state govt was flouting India’s federal str-ucture by opposing the acts. “It is not true that the acts were passed in a hurry. State govt is critical of the laws as police might not be used to put pressure on opposition netas,” leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari said.