Should Madhya Pradesh Abolish the Dacoity Law?
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Synopsis
Congress leader Vivek Tankha urges Madhya Pradesh CM to repeal an outdated dacoity law, highlighting its misuse and suggesting it's time for legislative change. This plea addresses broader implications for justice and social harmony in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Vivek Tankha advocates for repealing the MPDAA law.
- The law has been deemed irrelevant since 2007.
- Over 900 FIRs filed under this law between 2020 and 2023.
- Concerns about misuse affecting innocent individuals.
- Legislative changes are essential for social welfare.
Bhopal, Aug 4 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha addressed a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, advocating for the repeal of the Madhya Pradesh Dakaiti Aur Vyapharan Prabhavit Kshetra Adhiniyam (MPDAA), 1981.
Tankha pointed out that the state government has successfully eradicated all dacoits from Chambal (Chambal ka beehad) and noted that since 2007, no new cases of dacoity have been reported. He urged that it is time to abolish this law to prevent its potential misuse, given that it has fulfilled its intended purpose.
“Laws are created to address the social, economic, and law and order conditions of the time. When a law has outlived its usefulness, it is crucial to amend or repeal it,” Tankha stated in his correspondence.
Despite the government’s declaration that “no dacoit has been living in Chambal since 2007,” over 900 FIRs have been filed under this Act from 2020 to 2023. Tankha emphasized that this misuse is fostering social discord and burdening the judiciary and the state.
Various social organizations and experts have called for changes to this law, which has also been described as “irrelevant” by former Congress MLA Mewaram Jatav in a proposal presented to the Assembly in 2023.
Concerns have arisen regarding the law's impact on individuals, particularly the youth, who could be unjustly implicated due to its broad provisions.
“Given your administrative capability, dedication to the people of Madhya Pradesh, and your swift action to enhance the state’s law and order, I trust you (CM Mohan Yadav) will consider this suggestion,” the Congress leader concluded.
The Madhya Pradesh Dakaiti Aur Vyapharan Prabhavit Kshetra Adhiniyam, 1981 was introduced by the Madhya Pradesh State Legislature to combat dacoity and kidnapping in specified regions. It encompasses the declaration of affected areas, expedited trials, special courts, and penalties for certain crimes, along with the confiscation of illegally obtained properties.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the essence of legislative evolution in response to changing societal conditions. The call to repeal outdated laws, like the MPDAA, demonstrates a commitment to justice and the welfare of citizens, ensuring laws serve their intended purpose without causing harm to innocent individuals.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Madhya Pradesh Dakaiti Aur Vyapharan Prabhavit Kshetra Adhiniyam (MPDAA)?
The MPDAA, enacted in 1981, addresses dacoity and kidnapping in specific regions, allowing for expedited trials and imposing penalties for related crimes.
Who wrote to the Madhya Pradesh CM regarding the repeal of the dacoity law?
Congress leader Vivek Tankha, a Rajya Sabha MP and senior lawyer, wrote to CM Mohan Yadav urging for the law's abolition.
What are the concerns regarding the current law?
Concerns include potential misuse leading to wrongful implications of individuals, particularly the youth, and creating social discord.
How many FIRs were filed under the MPDAA recently?
More than 900 FIRs have been registered under the MPDAA between 2020 and 2023.
What did former Congress MLA Mewaram Jatav propose?
Mewaram Jatav proposed the abolition of the MPDAA in the Assembly, describing it as an irrelevant law.
