The Archaic Indian Anti-Beggary Law

[Tiger80]

f we were thinking that begging is a mere social issue, we were living in oblivion. In India it is a crime to beg and the statute for this has been coded in the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 which has been adopted by many states in our country. It has been extended to the Union Territory of Delhi (National Capital Territory of Delhi) on 2nd June, 1960. Unfortunately this has become archaic now and not just because it dates back to 1959 but because the punitive as well as rehabilitative measures are not coherent with the current scenario. Say for example, until our parliament had passed and enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act – 2013 which provides for an imprisonment of not less 20 years for rape convicts, the imprisonment for a convict of beggary (10 years) was more than what a rape convict would get (7 years). As a matter of fact, those dependent on the beggar is detained if the beggar is arrested. Even the definition of beggary is not appropriate in the law which causes trouble in identification and estimating the exact beggars’ population in our country. Prominent Features of the Act: Beggars may be arrested without warrant They can be sentenced to jail without trial or may be sent to shelter homes/certified institutions The punishment tenure for beggary ranges from 3-10 years in jail Court may order detention of persons wholly dependent on beggar Penalty for employing or causing persons to beg or using them for purposes of begging Provision for the teaching of agricultural, industrial and other pursuits, and for general education and medical care of the inmates of the Receiving Centres/Certified Institutions As per the act, if any beggar detained in a Certified Institution is found to be of unsound mind or a leper, s/he can be ordered to be removed to a mental hospital or leper asylum as per provisions of the Indian Lunacy Act, 1912 and of the Lepers Act, 1898. - See more at : http://www.erewise.com/current-affairs/the-archaic-indian-anti-beggary-law_art5317141fa3c32.html#.VcJ-f5fvbK8

And we have people who keep pointing that this person has broken this law and that person has broken that law

[Anitha]

I read that as anti-buggery laws. They are archaic too

[zen]

More than begging, forcing little kids to beg is a greater crime .... also Ind lacks a system which can channel these people to meaningful professions .... Overpopulation and lack of resources leads to a vicious cycle

[Ram]

Say for example, until our parliament had passed and enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act – 2013 which provides for an imprisonment of not less 20 years for rape convicts, the imprisonment for a convict of beggary (10 years) was more than what a rape convict would get (7 years).

Wow