NAC agrees to make 49 amendments to Communal Violence Bill

Another amendment made in the draft bill relates to the definition of communal and targeted violence which included reference to 'destruction of the secular fabric'.
The members agreed that this was "too high a threshold," and therefore it was agreed to delete this phrase, a statement by the NAC said here.

The members of Sonia-Gandhi-led Council agreed to delete a clause which refers to Article 355 of the Constitution, as it created a fear that it may interfere with the federal structure of the country.

According to clause 20, Chapter III of the draft bill, "The occurrence of organised communal and targeted violence shall constitute 'internal disturbance' within the meaning of Article 355 of the Constitution of India and the Central Government may take such steps in accordance with the duties mentioned thereunder, as the nature and circumstances of the case so requires."

There were some concerns about excessive powers to the National Authority and some clauses were deleted.

The NAC Working Group will place the full list of amendments to the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill, 2011 on the website and later forward the draft bill the Centre for consideration.