Patna: Bihar Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Bihar Crime Control (Amendment) Bill, with the state government stating that the legislation strengthens provisions to tackle evolving forms of crime, including offences committed through social media and digital platforms.
Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the amendment to the Bihar Crime Control Act, 2024 was prepared after incorporating concerns and suggestions raised by opposition members during earlier deliberations.
Government Says Opposition Suggestions Were Included
Chaudhary said the amendment reflects recommendations made by legislators, including Akhtarul Iman and Rahul Sharma. He questioned the opposition’s objections, saying the government had acted on issues they had previously highlighted in the House.
According to him, the amendment has been introduced to make the existing law more effective in addressing changing patterns of crime.
Focus on Digital and Social Media-Related Offences
The Deputy Chief Minister said crimes are increasingly being committed through social media and digital platforms, whereas earlier they were largely confined to conventional methods.
He said the existing legislation did not contain adequate provisions to address offences committed online. The amendment, he added, fills that gap by enabling authorities to take action against those who misuse social media to spread rumours, incite people, or engage in other criminal activities.
Chaudhary maintained that the objective of the amendment is to enhance public safety while recognising that social media, when used responsibly, serves a positive role in society.
Government Assures Against Misuse of Law
Addressing concerns over the possible misuse of the legislation, Chaudhary said the effectiveness of any law depends on those responsible for implementing it and that misuse by any official would be unacceptable.
He told the Assembly that the government is committed to ensuring the law is used only against offenders and not to harass innocent citizens.
CCA to Apply Only in Specified Cases
Responding to concerns about the Crime Control Act (CCA), Chaudhary clarified that its provisions would not be invoked arbitrarily.
He said action under the Act would be taken only against individuals who have been charge-sheeted in at least two criminal cases or convicted in one case. The provision, he said, is intended to target organised crime and habitual offenders rather than ordinary citizens.
Human Trafficking Provisions Expanded
The amendment also broadens the scope of human trafficking provisions under the law.
Chaudhary said the earlier legislation primarily covered the trafficking of women and children. Under the amended law, trafficking of any individual has been classified as an offence, closing legal gaps that could previously be exploited by offenders.
Aim Is to Preserve Law and Order
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government would continue to act against anyone attempting to spread hatred or create social discord on the basis of caste, religion or other grounds, in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions.
He reiterated that the primary objective of the Bihar Crime Control (Amendment) Bill is to strengthen the state’s ability to combat organised crime, digital crime and anti-social activities while protecting law-abiding citizens.
