In a major legislative move, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced the Himachal Pradesh Organised Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, aimed at tackling organised crime, ensuring public safety, and safeguarding economic stability. The Bill, presented in the Assembly by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, significantly expands the definition of organised crime to include environmental violations such as illegal mining, deforestation, wildlife trafficking, and hazardous waste dumping.

A New Legal Framework for Organised Crime

The proposed Bill recognises various forms of organised crime, including:

• Drug trafficking
• Cyber-terrorism
• Human organ trafficking
• Intellectual property crimes
• Healthcare frauds
• Document forgery
• Food and drug adulteration
• Sports corruption

According to the Bill, any of these crimes committed with violence, threats, or coercion would be categorised as organised crime. The legislation proposes strict penalties to deter such crimes and ensure effective enforcement.

Strict Punishments and Legal Provisions

Key Sections of the Bill

• Section 4(1): If an organised crime results in the death of any person, the offender shall be punished with death or life imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh.
• Section 5(1): Individuals who abet, attempt, conspire, or facilitate organised crime can face imprisonment ranging from one year to life, with fines between Rs 20,000 and Rs 5 lakh.

Salient Features of the Bill

1. Crimes resulting in death – Punishable by death or life imprisonment, with a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh.
2. Severe crimes (e.g., drug trafficking, cyber-terrorism) – Punishable by 2 to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, with fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10 lakh.
3. General organised crimes – Minimum 1 year of imprisonment, extendable to life imprisonment, with a fine of at least Rs 5 lakh.
4. Repeat offenders – Face 1.5 times the standard punishment and fine to deter habitual criminals.
5. Possession of illicit wealth – Individuals holding properties acquired through organised crime face 1 year to life imprisonment, with fines between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.

Empowering Law Enforcement

The Bill provides greater investigative authority to law enforcement officials, allowing them to:

• Seize properties suspected to be linked with crime syndicates.
• Issue immediate seizure orders, where a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) can seize property if there’s a risk of concealment or transfer.
• Attach property through court orders, ensuring that properties proven to be proceeds of crime can be confiscated.
• Dispose of perishable or low-value assets, ensuring swift legal action.

The government has also ensured that legal protection is provided to officers acting in good faith during investigations. Furthermore, the state is empowered to remove obstacles in the law’s implementation and establish necessary rules to strengthen its enforcement.

A Step Towards Safer Himachal Pradesh

Introducing the Bill, CM Sukhu emphasized that organised crimes pose a significant threat to public order, economic stability, and security. The Bill, therefore, seeks to curb such activities through enhanced punishments, asset seizures, and stringent enforcement mechanisms.

With this new legal framework, the Himachal Pradesh government is taking a firm stance against organised crime, ensuring that those engaging in illicit activities face severe consequences. If passed, this legislation could serve as a landmark law in the state’s fight against crime syndicates and environmental violations.

The Himachal Pradesh Organised Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, aims to create a safer society by dismantling criminal networks, weakening their financial foundations, and ensuring justice for victims. With strict penalties, robust enforcement, and enhanced investigative powers, the Bill is a significant step forward in the state’s fight against organised crime.