Convicted in AP? Go and do community service

The Andhra Pradesh government will enact a Community Services of Offenders Bill. The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the draft bill providing community service as 'non-custodial punishment' after conviction wherein the offender is required to perform unpaid work for the benefit of community under the supervision of a community service officer.

The bill will be applicable to minor offences punishable with imprisonment for not more than a year under the IPC 1860. The offender has to give his/her consent in writing accepting the terms and conditions of the Community Service Order.

The Community Service Order will be issued by the concerned court, fixing the hours of community service per day to the offender. At the state level, the state community service committee will he headed by a high court judge who will supervise and monitor the operation of community service.

The administrative set-up will consist of a director, nine deputy directors and 29 community service officers to function on a day-to-day basis. The Bill will enable the offender to live with his family and save him/her from the perils of short-term imprisonment. The offender may benefit from diverting energy from anti-social to socially acceptable activities.

 The provisions of the Bill will not be applicable to the person convicted under the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955, and SC & ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.