Gujarat Assembly Passes Bill to Seize Criminal Proceeds

The Gujarat assembly has enacted a new law to confiscate properties accumulated through criminal activities. The 'Gujarat Special Courts Bill 2024' aims to set up special courts for this purpose, focusing on serious offenses. The move targets major criminals, including bootleggers, drug dealers, and corrupt officials.

On Friday, the Gujarat assembly passed a groundbreaking Bill aimed at confiscating properties accumulated through proceeds of crime.

The 'Gujarat Special Courts Bill 2024' proposes the creation of special courts, in consultation with the High Court, to expedite the confiscation process and to handle cases against offenders, according to Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, who tabled the Bill on the last day of the assembly's monsoon session.

Opposed by Congress, the Bill was passed by a majority vote. Applicable to those accused of serious offenses punishable by more than three years of imprisonment, and where the criminal proceeds exceed Rs 1 crore, the law aims at seasoned criminals including drug dealers, bootleggers, and corrupt officials. Special investigating officers will be appointed to identify and assess properties, which under certain sections, can be confiscated within six months.