MP govt wants POTA-like law

Objecting to the Union government's decision to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Chief Minister Babulal Gaur on Saturday said his government would make laws similar to POTA to control terrorist activities in Madhya Pradesh.

"We will use provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) to frame new laws similar to POTA in MP," he told reporters in Gwalior.

"POTA was enacted by the previous National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre to control terrorist activities. We strongly object to the move to withdraw it," he said.

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Gaur, who was in the city on his way to Delhi to attending the conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of high courts, said that works done by bureaucrats in September-November would be reviewed in December and later in January 2005 when a campaign would be undertaken to punish corrupt and tardy officials. "Vigilance committees would be formed to keep an eye on the activities of government officials," he said.

Describing the killing of a BSF jawan on September 3 and two others in police firing the next day in Morena district as 'unfortunate', Gaur said, "It's a matter of concern that even after 57 years of Independence, the behaviour of policemen has not changed."

Later addressing the conference, he demanded establishment of special courts to deal with civil, municipal and matrimonial disputes so as to lower the pressure of regular courts.

Special municipal courts could be established to deal with cases falling under municipal laws and family courts for resolving matrimonial disputes.

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"Central grants be provided for establishment of these special courts," he said adding administration of justice is a subject included in the Concurrent list of the Constitution of India thereby imparting equal responsibility on the central and state governments to strengthen the administration of justice.

"In view of increasing number of court cases, the number o of courts is being increased. But the states do not have corresponding financial resources to undertake construction of court buildings and residential accommodation for judges," Gaur said demanding Rs 200 crore for Madhya Pradesh for the purpose.