Maharashtra government decides to invoke MPDA,1981 against sand mafia, black marketers

Maharashtra government has decided to evoke Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA), 1981 against those involved in black marketing of essential commodities and sand mafia.
Decision in this regard was taken by state cabinet meeting chaired by Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. Cabinet also approved proposal to amend parent Act in order to include criminal activities related to sand mafia and black marketing.
The decision to impose MPDA was taken by government in order to tackle the menace of black marketing of essential commodities and sand mafia in state and to prevent organised attacks against revenue officials and employees by sand mafias and smugglers.
Prior to this decision, this law was only applicable against slumlords, bootleggers, drug offenders, dangerous persons and persons involved in video piracy.
In order to incorporate sand mafia and black marketers in the ambit of law, definitions of sand smuggling and sand smuggler (mafia) will be added in section 2 of the Act. Apart from this state government is also going to take action against those involved in assisting those sand mafia and smugglers.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2015