DELHI: On the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), Chavan said though the act was being misused by some states. the country still needed TADA.
The Minister said an “extraordinary situation” prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir, North East and certain southern states where the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had a presence.
“Some provisions of TADA are necessary.” Chavan said, indicating that certain clauses of the controversial act may be deleted. When questioned further as to which provisions were to be retained and which ones were likely to be dropped. the Minister said the matter was under consideration of the Prime Minister and he did not wish to comment on it.
The Punjab Chic Minister, Beant Singh, strongly advocated the continuance of TADA and opposed its slightest dilution. Several other state governments have also stressed the need for TADA LO tackle insurgent activities.
The home minister admitted that amendments were required in the act to reduce harassment of innocents.
“I have to admit that TADA is being misused by some states. There are examples where the police force of a state has resorted to a short-cut and booked an accused under TADA, instead of booking him under ordinary laws of the land, Chavan said.
But at the same time, he reiterated, certain provisions of the act were required as otherwise witnesses would not come forward, judges would find it difficult to conduct trial and combating militancy would become virtually impossible.”
Article extracted from this publication >> February 24, 1995
