Parliament on Thursday passed a bill which seeks to expand the definition of “terrorist act” to include offences threatening the country’s economic security.

JD-U, RJD and Left parties walked out, alleging groups, communities and trade unions may be affected by it. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2012, passed by the Rajya Sabha, also extends the period of ban on an organisation from two years to five years. Lok Sabha had passed the bill earlier.

The amendments seek to include procurement of weapons, raising funds for terrorist activities and counterfeiting Indian currency under the definition of a “terrorist act”.

Minister of state for home RPN Singh said, “This bill is against terrorism and terrorists. I assure that the bill is religion neutral... Terrorism is not just about guns, it is also about attack on a country’s economy.”

Banking bill gets nod
Parliament on Thursday passed a key bill paving the way for corporate houses to enter the banking sector.

The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2002, approved by the Lok Sabha earlier, was approved by the Rajya Sabha on the last day of the winter session.