In the current session of the Gujarat Assembly, the state government will present the Gujarat Special Court Bill 2024, which aims to address the issue of assets acquired through corruption and criminal activities.

The new bill  proposes the creation of a special court dedicated to expedited justice for criminal cases and the swift seizure of assets connected to such activities.

Purpose of the Special Court

The bill aims to address the growing problem of individuals accumulating significant assets through criminal activities, which are often used to further their illegal operations. The delay in criminal proceedings and asset seizures allows such individuals to continue their criminal activities.

Therefore, there is a need to create a special court to ensure prompt seizure of assets linked to criminal investigations. This court will focus on confiscating assets involved in criminal activities to uphold the state’s legal and moral responsibility.

Scope and Functioning of the Special Court

The bill specifies that the court will handle cases where the total value of assets obtained directly or indirectly through criminal activities exceeds ₹1 crore. This will apply to individuals, families, companies, trusts, organizations, and other entities involved.

The proposed special court will be headed by judges appointed by the state government with the approval of the High Court. This court will take judicial notice of cases presented before it or transferred to it under Section 10, and will conduct judicial proceedings accordingly. Actions will be based on reports from investigating officers who are not below the rank of police superintendent.

Powers and Appeals

The special court will be authorized to impose legal punishments on individuals convicted of crimes. Decisions made by this court can be appealed in the High Court; however, there will be no appeal or review of the special court’s orders, directions, or judgments in any other court. 

Additionally, the investigating officer will be required to issue notices for asset seizures.

(This story was taken from a syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital staff)

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