The state government will soon set up an authority to review cases filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the state, Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Sunday.
Speaking at the inauguration of Minorities’ Rights Day, he said the proposed authority will review cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and submit reports to the government. The permission for prosecution will be accorded based on its reports. This is being done to prevent misuse of the Act, he added.
A provision has been made in the Act to set up the authority. But, it has not been done in Karnataka so far. Currently, cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are directly referred to investigative agencies, resulting in its misuse. The government has received complaints against the misuse of the law. Hence, the decision has been taken to set up the authority, he added.
Parameshwara also said the state government will initiate steps to withdraw cases filed unnecessarily against those belonging to minority communities. A proposal in this regard will soon be placed before the state Cabinet, he added.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said a Cabinet sub-committee will soon be set up to look into the status of minority communities in the state. The government will take appropriate measures for the social and economic development of these communities based on the sub-committee’s findings, he added.
He said the government is contemplating enacting legislation to provide reservation in jobs and education based on population of various communities. Steps will be taken in this direction after the caste census report is released. People should get equal opportunity. There should be equitable share of wealth. Only then equality can be ensured in society, he added.
“The government is committed to the welfare of minorities. It is also the responsibility of a government to ensure protection to minorities. The Congress will never betray you (minorities). And you (minorities) too should not betray us (Congress),” Siddaramaiah stated.