Strict law against drug peddlers: Existing laws to be amended to invoke MCOCA, says CM Fadnavis | What is MCOCA - Explained

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while replying to a question in the legislative council, said that action is taken against those involved in drug peddling.

Maharashtra has signalled that it will be going hard against drug peddlers in the state with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis saying on Wednesday that the government will amend the existing laws so that drug peddlers are booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The chief minister informed that the amendment will be done in the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature.

Fadnavis, while replying to a question in the legislative council, said that action is taken against those involved in drug peddling.

At present drug peddlers are booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, however, those arrested get bail and again resume their activities, Fadnavis added.

"The government is amending laws so that these people can be arrested under the MCOCA. The amendment will be done in the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature," the chief minister said.

What is MCOCA?

Under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) there are provisions for —

Higher Investigative Powers: Police officers, especially those above the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP), have the authority to intercept communications (with authorization) and conduct surveillance.

Stringent Bail Conditions: under provisions of MCOCA, bail is more difficult to obtain and it requires the court to be assured that the accused is unlikely to commit another offense while being out on bail.

Special Courts: Cases filed under MCOCA jurisdictions are tried in special courts that are established under the Act.

Stricter Penalties: Harsher penalties are prescribed under MCOCA, including the proviison to award death penalty for those convicted of organized crime.

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(With agency inputs)