The Prevention Of Terrorism Ordinance, 2001

The Prevention Of Terrorism Ordinance, 2001

The articles which cause concern

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

Section 3(8) places responsibility on all persons to disclose information which the person knows or believes to be of material assistance in preventing any terrorist activity as soon as reasonably practicable to the police. However, exception has been provided in case of persons engaged as legal attorney of the accused who may have acquired such knowledge for the purpose of preparing the defence for the accused.

Section 14 provides a new provision which makes it obligatory to furnish information in respect of a terrorist offence. Failure to furnish the information called for or deliberately furnishing false information to investigating officer shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or fine or both. The investigating officer can call for such information only with prior approval in writing of an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police.

TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS:

A person also commits an offence if he arranges, manages or assists in arranging or

managing a meeting which he knows is --

(a) to support a terrorist organisation,

(b) to further the activities of a terrorist organisation, or

(c) to be addressed by a person who belongs or professes to belong to a terrorist organisation.

A third clause in the Ordinance provides for interception of communication for a period of sixty days, of any one who has contact with a terrorist group or individual.

More details on the ordinance at http://mha.nic.in/pr102001.htm#2810

THE GOOD MINISTERS ARE FUDGING

Sevanti Ninan

When terrorists have been making news in India for at least two decades, journalists cover them much as they cover any one else. They are given access by the law breakers—call them terrorists, insurgents or militants---because those who challenge the might of the state also need the oxygen of publicity. An Anita Pratap can get access to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam supremo V Pirabhakaran repeatedly and over a long period because he needs to communicate through her. A Bhindranwale, the Lashkar-e-Toiba, a Veerappan,--they all communicate with journalists because they are their source of access to the rest of the world. The same holds true of Osama Bin Laden.