Draft touts bill with L-G for approval

To find a permanent solution for the menace of touts, the Delhi Cabinet on Monday approved the Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices Bill. It will be introduced in the assembly during the upcoming winter session, which begins on November 23.

To find a permanent solution for the menace of touts, the Delhi Cabinet on Monday approved the Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices Bill. It will be introduced in the assembly during the upcoming winter session, which begins on November 23.

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Speaking to reporters after a meeting, chief minister Sheila Dikshit said there has been no specific law to deal with touts in the city.

"The act will prevent enticing, misguiding or coercing for shopping, accommodation, transportation, sight-seeing or pestering for any particular premises, establishment, dealer or manufacturer for personal consideration," Dikshit said.

According to a senior Delhi government official, the guilty can be punished with a jail term of up to one year or up to R10,000 as fine.

The offence of abetment will attract imprisonment extending up to six months or up to R5,000 as fine. Moreover, those found 'attempting touting' can be punished with imprisonment of up to three months, or up to R2,000 as fine, the official added.

The order prohibits touting or malpractice against any tourist, abetment to commit touting or malpractice against any tourist and also attempt to commit such act, officials said.

According to officials, the draft bill was approved by the ministry of home affairs and was sent to the lieutenant governor for his approval. It was promulgated as an ordinance due to its importance and urgency during the Commonwealth Games in October.