UP Cabinet Approves Draft Bill To Fight Land Mafia, Organised Crime

The Uttar Pradesh government on December 13 approved the draft of a Bill to enact a stringent law on the lines of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to combat land mafia, mining mafia and organised crimes in the state. The Bill is expected to be introduced in the Winter Session of the State Legislature, which starts in Lucknow today.

The Uttar Pradesh Control of Organised Crime Act (UPCOCA) was approved at a meeting of the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, State Government Spokesperson and Power Minister Srikant Sharma told media.

"The rule of law is the top priority of the government and for this it is essential that those indulging in mafia, goonda activities and disturbing peace in society are identified and a special drive is launched against them...the Bill is being brought with this purpose in mind," Sharma said.

The draft of the proposed legislation had been prepared in consultation with the law department for effective check on organised crime, mafia and white-collared crimes, he said.

With inputs from Housing News