Gujarat Assembly Unanimously Passes Key Amendment to Anti-Terrorism Law
In a significant legislative move, the Gujarat Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This amendment aligns the state's provisions with the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), marking a pivotal step in legal harmonization.
Focus Shift: From Terrorism to Organized Crime
Explaining the rationale behind the amendments, Minister Arjun Modhwadia highlighted that the original Act was introduced by the state government in 2015. It initially contained comprehensive provisions targeting both terrorism and organized crime. However, with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita now incorporating stringent anti-terrorism measures, the state government has opted to amend its law to prevent duplication of efforts.
The amendment removes provisions related to 'terrorist acts' from the Gujarat law, refocusing it exclusively on 'organized crime'. This strategic shift aims to streamline investigations and avoid overlapping jurisdictions between state and central authorities.
Legal Updates and National Integration
Minister Modhwadia elaborated that Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita clearly defines terrorist acts, a definition that was not explicitly available in the repealed Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860. The central government replaced the IPC with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in 2023, integrating anti-terrorism provisions directly into the national penal code.
Additionally, the amendment bill updates legal references, such as replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure compatibility with the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This move underscores Gujarat's commitment to aligning its legal framework with national standards, enhancing coherence in law enforcement across India.
The unanimous passage of this bill reflects broad political consensus on the importance of adapting state laws to evolving national legal structures, thereby strengthening the fight against organized crime while leveraging central anti-terrorism provisions.
