Gujarat anti-terror law: Opposition parties appeal to Pranab Mukherjee to be cautious while approving bill

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Wednesday appealed to President Pranab Mukherjee to be cautious when the contentious anti-terror bill passed by the Gujarat government – the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime Bill 2014 (GCTOC) – will be placed for his approval.

They said the fact a bill, rejected thrice by former Presidents on grounds that it contained anticonstitutional provisions, has again been passed by the same assembly was a matter of concern.

"Like the earlier Pota bill, this bill passed by the Gujarat assembly too is draconian in nature and poses a threat to the fundamental rights of citizens. That is why the same bill was thrice rejected by the former presidents. May be with the BJP-led government at the Centre, the state government thinks it can get the bill approved this time. But I am sure President is fully aware of the background as well the anti-democratic nature of the bill", said AICC spokesperson PC Chacko.

JD(U) President Sharad Yadav said, "I appeal to the President never to give his consent to the anti-terror bill, which is draconian in nature." CPM polit bureau member Sitaram Yechury said, "it is important to note that past Presidents had rejected the bill. But with a change of government at the Centre, we hope, the Centre will not go against the past reasoning given to the same bill".