After RTI, Triple Talaq, now BJP passes UAPA Bill in Rajya Sabha
New Delhi, Aug 2 (IBNS): Mastering the floor management in the Rajya Sabha where it was in minority in the previous regime, the second Narendra Modi government on Friday passed yet another major bill- the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019- close on the heels of clearing the Right To Information (RTI) and Triple Talaq bills in the upper house.
After the amendment of UAPA bill, now an individual can also be banned for unlawful activities. Earlier, only an organisation could be banned under the law.
Despite the Congress' opposition to the bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha on Friday said such a law, which is active in major countries including the US, won't be misused.
"Sometimes a person who does unlawful activities keeps changing organisations. In that case, it is not possible to curb the activities. So, the amendment is required," Shah said.
Responding to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram's query over at what stage a person will be named, the Union Home Minister said, "In general cases, we will name them only after the investigation. But if a person is not cooperative for investigation, then he will be named before the probe is completed."
Veteran Congressman Digvijaya Singh expressed fear over naming people as "anti-nationals" saying, "a sedition case is also there against me." "You won't be victimised if you are innocent," Shah quipped in reply.
The passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha is highly significant as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is still behind the halfway mark in the upper house of Parliament.
During RTI and Triple Talaq Bills, some smaller opposition parties, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for instance, had extended support to Modi's party inside the parliament hall.
Last week, the bill was passed in the Lok Sabha where the BJP has a thumping majority as the Modi government returned to power with an increased seat-share in the General Elections held this year.
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