Andhra Pradesh: Draft BC Atrocity Bill On the Anvil
If the accused is proved to have resorted to crime against BCs for a second time, he/she would be imprisoned between 1-2 years. The period of punishment is likely to be increased
The NDA government has prepared the draft BC Protection Bill aimed at guarding the community from atrocities. According to the Draft Bill, people resorting to harassing the BCs through accusations, assaults or other ways could be imprisoned from 6 months to five years. If the accused is proved to have resorted to atrocity against BCs for a second time, he/she would be imprisoned between 1-2 years. The period of punishment is likely to be increased. In addition, there will be no provision to obtain anticipatory bail in BC atrocity cases. The draft bill is under the review of the legal department. Subsequently, it would be introduced in the Assembly after the approval of the Cabinet.
The draft bill also proposes to set up one special court in every district for hearing into the BC Atrocity cases. If necessary, the sessions court would be turned into the special court. Every case would be resolved within two months of filing the chargesheet. If the petitioner is of the opinion that the special court has not done justice to him, then he can approach the High Court within 90 days. At maximum, it can be extended up to 180 days. Judges having seven or more years of experience would be appointed to look into the cases in this court. By making the Bill into an Act, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA government would fulfil its election promise of providing protection to the BCs.