Strict anti-touting law on the anvil in Delhi

To tackle the menace of touts, Delhi government will bring in a bill in the winter session of the assembly later this month, primarily to give relief to tourists who are often harassed by such elements.

To tackle the menace of touts, Delhi government will bring in a bill in the winter session of the assembly later this month, primarily to give relief to tourists who are often harassed by such elements.

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The Delhi Cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, on Monday approved the Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices Bill which provides for a maximum jail term of one year.

The proposed legislation will replace an ordinance promulgated by Lieutenant Governor Tejinder Khanna on October one, just ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Dikshit said there has been no specific law to deal with the touts in the city and therefore the government was brining the legislation to deal with the menace.

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

The provisions of the legislation will be enforced by the Delhi Police.

As per definition given in the draft bill, malpractice includes dishonesty, cheating, impersonation and obstruction in allowing free choice for shopping or stay or travel arrangements by the tourists.

Dikshit said offences under the legislation will be cognisable and bailable.

Any person found touting may face jail term upto one year or fine of Rs 10,000, or both.

The draft bill authorises the Commissioner of Police or any police officer not below the rank of DCP, to declare any person who is habitually or repeatedly involved in activities punishable under the new act, out of bounds from Delhi or any part of the city for a period of six months. The period may be extend to one year also.