The state is considering amendments in criminal laws to enhance the quantum of punishment for terrorists.
This was stated by home minister RR Patil at the inauguration of the country’s first open prison for women at Yerawada on Sunday evening.
Patil said that there were some lacunae in the existing laws. “If the district court awards death penalty to a criminal, it has to be confirmed by the high court.The criminal has a right to approach Supreme Court.Even if the apex court gives a nod to the death penalty, the president has to give her signature,” he said. And sitting in the prisons, the criminals laugh at the government, he added.
“The law-abiding citizens working at employment guarantee schemes (EGS) get meagre salaries, but the state is paying a huge price to maintain these criminals in jails. This should stop somewhere,” he said.
Voicing tough punishment for terrorists and anti-nationals, he said: “We are in discussion for punishment up to 60 years in jail for such people.” He informed that the state is pursuing the matter with the Bombay high court and the Centre.
“We are discussing the issues regarding implementation of harsh punishment for terrorists with the central government,” he said.
The minister said that this type of punishment has been recommended because terrorists are killing innocent people and jeopardising the country’s security. “No humanitarian view will be taken on the terrorists,” he said.
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