(a) whether the various organisations/groups have opposed the proposed Communal Violence
(Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005 in its present form and have
demanded its withdrawal;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) and (b): Representations have been received from some organisations/ groups suggesting,
inter alia, to include targeted mass crimes; all gender-based crimes beyond schedule of
offences; increased accountability of State Government authorities; national uniform
entitlements of relief and rehabilitation for victims of communal violence; etc. within
the ambit of the Bill. Suggestions have also been received to remove violence between
different groups, castes or ethnic groups from the purview of the Bill and restricting the
Bill to deal with communal violence only; requirement of receipt of request from State
Governments for deployment of armed forces by Central Government; requirement of Government’s
sanction for prosecution of public servants. The groups have also urged the Government to
redraft the Bill keeping in view their observations.
The aforesaid Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 5.12.2005 and it was referred to
the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee. The Bill was also put on website
and consultations were held by Government at various places. The Standing Committee obtained
the views of the State Governments and political parties and also heard legal and
constitutional experts, NGOs, etc. and after examining the Bill clause by clause submitted
its report to the Parliament on 13.12.2006 making various observations/ recommendations.
Keeping in view the Standing Committee report and after consulting the Ministry of Law and
Justice, the official amendments have been introduced in the Bill and a Notice has been given
in Rajya Sabha on 9.3.2007 for consideration and passing of the Bill along with the official
amendments. Notices of amendments were also given in Rajya Sabha on 27.4.2007 by Shri
Prasanta Chatterjee and Shri Moinul Hassan, MPs incorporating some of the suggestions
mentioned above.
(c): Does not arise in view of the position stated above.