Exactly 34 years after it was scrapped, the provision for anticipatory bail is being reintroduced by the state government in Uttar Pradesh.
A decision to that effect was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Mayawati on Friday.
"The cabinet has
decided to seek an amendment in Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code, whereby the provision for anticipatory bail that was repealed way back in 1976, was sought to be restored," an official spokesman said on Friday.
This follows a recommendation given by a high level committee under the chairmanship of Uttar Pradesh Advisory Council chairman Satish Chandra Misra. Among others on the committee were the advocate general, principal secretary (law), principal secretary (home), principal secretary (legislation) and director general of police.
The committee recommended for reintroduction of anticipatory bail, albeit with certain riders. "As such, it would not apply in case of all special laws like the gangsters act or various anti terrorist laws," the spokesman added.