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KERALA ANTI-SOCIAL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT, 2007

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S.1 Short title and commencement

       (1) This Act may be called the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention)Act, 2007.
(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 13th day of December, 2006.


S.2 Definitions

       In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,--
        (a) ''anti-social activity'' means acting in such manner as to cause or is likely to cause, directly or indirectly, any feeling of insecurity, danger or fear among the general public or any section thereof, or any danger to the safety of individuals, safety of public, public health or the ecological system or any loss or damage to public exchequer or to any public or private property or indulges in any activities referred in clauses (c), (e), (g), (h), (i), (l), (m),(n),(q) and (s) of this section;
        (aa) "advisory board" means an advisory board constituted under section 8 by the Government;
        (b) ''authorised officer'' means any officer authorised by the Government under sub-section (2) of s

S.3 Power to make orders for detaining Known Goondas and Known Rowdies

       (1) The Government or an officer authorised under sub-section (2), may, if satisfied on information received from a Police Officer not below the rank of a Superintendent of Police with regard to the activities of any Known Goonda or Known Rowdy, that, with a view to prevent such person from committing any anti-social activity within the State of Kerala in any manner, it is necessary so to do, make an order directing that such person be detained.
        (2) If having regard to the circumstances prevailing, or likely to prevail in any area, the Government, if satisfied that it is necessary so to do, may, by order in writing, direct that during such period as may be specified in the said order, the District Magistrate having jurisdiction may exercise the powers under sub-section (1) in respect of such persons residing within his jurisdiction or in respect of such perso

S.4 Execution of detention orders

A detention order may be executed at any place in the State of Kerala in the manner provided for the execution of warrants of arrest under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974).


S.5 Places of detention

Every person in respect of whom a detention order has been made shall be detained in Central Prisons or District Jails within the State of Kerala and a copy of the detention order bearing the signature and seal of the detaining authority shall be given to the Superintendent of the Jail concerned while admitting such person into the Jail.


S.6 Powers in relation to absconding persons

       (1) If the Government or an officer authorised mentioned in sub-section (2) of section 3 has reason to believe that a person in respect of whom a detention order has been made has absconded or is concealing himself so that the order cannot be executed, the Government or such officer may,-
        a) make a report in writing of the fact to a Chief Judicial Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class having jurisdiction in the place where the said person ordinarily resides;
        b) by order notified in the Official Gazette direct the said person to appear before such officer, at such place and within such period as may be specified in the order.
        2) On making of a report against any person under clause (a) of sub-section(1), the provisions of sec

S.7 Grounds of order of detention to be disclosed

       (1) When a person is arrested in pursuance of a detention order, the officer arresting him shall read out the detention order to him and give him a copy of such order.
        (2) The grounds of detention, specifying the instances of offences, with copies of relevant documents, as far as practicable, on the basis of which he is considered as a "known goonda" or "known rowdy" and giving such materials relating to his activities on the basis of which his detention has been found necessary, shall be furnished to him as soon as possible nevertheless, in any case, within five days of detention and he shall also be informed in writing, under acknowledgement, of his right to represent to the Government and before the Advisory Board against his detention:
       Provided that nothing in this section shall require any authority to disclose

S.8 Constitution of Advisory Board

       (1) The Government shall, constitute one or such number of Advisory Boards as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act, with such territorial or functional jurisdiction, as may be specified.
        (2) Every such Board shall consist of a Chairman who is, or had been Judge of a High Court and two members who are qualified under the Constitution of India to be appointed as a Judge of a High Court.
(3) The salary, allowances, tenure and service conditions of the Chairman and members of the Advisory Board may be such as may be prescribed.


S.9 Reference to Advisory Board

In every case where a detention order has been made under this Act, the Government shall, within three weeks from the date of detention of a person, place before the Advisory Board, the grounds on which the order has been made and the representation, if any, made by the person affected, and, in the case where the order has been made by an authorised officer, the report by such officer under sub-section (3) of section 3.


S.10 Procedure of Advisory Board and further action

       (1) The Advisory Board to which a reference is made under the above section shall after considering the reference and the materials placed before it and after calling for such further information as it may deem necessary from the Government or from any person called for the purpose through the Government, or from the person concerned and if, in any particular case, it considers necessary so to do or if the person concerned desires to be heard in person, after hearing him in person, prepare its report specifying in a separate paragraph thereof its opinion as to whether or not there is sufficient cause for the detention of the person concerned and submit the same within nine weeks from the date of detention of the person concerned;
        (2) When there is difference of opinion among the members forming the Advisory Board the opinion of the majority of such members shall be

S.11 Detention orders not be invalid or inoperative on certain matters

       No detention order shall be invalid or inoperative merely by reason:--
        (a) that the persons to be detained thereunder, though within the State, is outside the limits of the territorial jurisdiction of the officer making the order; or
(b) that the place of detention of such person, though within the State, is outside the said limits.


S.12 Maximum Period of detention

The maximum period for which any person may be detained in pursuance of any detention order made under this Act, which has been confirmed under section 10, shall not exceed six months from the date of detention.



Legal Commentary on Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007 - Section 12

Introduction

Section 12 of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007 (KAAPA) delineates the maximum permissible period of detention for individuals detained under the Act. It is a crucial provision ensuring that preventive detention remains within constitutional and legal bounds, balancing societal protection with personal liberty.

What does Section Say

Section 12 stipulates that:- The maximum period of detention, following a detention order confirmed under Section 10, is six months for the first detention.- For subsequent detention orders, the maximum period extends up to one year.- The section emphasizes that detention must be based on a live and proximate link between the grounds of detention and its purpose, aligning with constitutional safeguards.

Essential Ingredients

  • Maximum detention period: Not exceeding six months initially, extendable up to one year upon subsequent orders.
  • Confirmation of detention: Detention must be confirmed under Section 10 before Section 12 applies.
  • Application of mind: The detention order must reflect a proper application of mind, considering relevant proceedings and records.
  • Proximate link: There must be a live and proximate connection between the grounds of detention and the purpose.
  • Legal validity: The detention must adhere to procedural safeguards, including timely execution and proper documentation.

Scope of Section

  • Applies to detention orders made under KAAPA that are confirmed under Section 10.
  • Sets the outer limit for detention duration, ensuring preventive detention is not indefinite.
  • Enforces judicial review to prevent misuse or arbitrary detention.
  • The section's scope has been interpreted to include the period from the detention order to actual detention, and the legality of detention even if execution is delayed, provided the delay is justified.

Punishment for Section

  • The section itself does not prescribe punishment but sets limits on detention duration.
  • Detention beyond the prescribed period without proper grounds or procedural compliance can be challenged as illegal.
  • Violations may lead to judicial quashing of detention orders and release of the detainee, as seen in case law.

Legal Comments

Note: The references are based on the provided sources, primarily judicial decisions and legal interpretations, emphasizing the importance of procedural safeguards, application of mind, and adherence to maximum detention periods under Section 12 of KAAPA.

S.13 Revocation of detention order

       (1) A detention order may, at any time, be revoked or modified by the Government.
        (2) The revocation or expiry of a detention order shall not be a bar for the issuance of another detention order under section 3 against the same person, if he continues to be a person falling within the definition of known rowdy or known goonda as given in section
       2 (o) or section 2 (p) and if,--
        (i) after release, he is, found to have, again involved in an offence of the nature described in section 2(o) or section 2 (p); or at least one instance; or
        (ii) the facts, which came to the notice of the Government or the authorised officer after the issuance of the earlier detention order, considered along wit


Legal Commentary on Section 13 of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007

Introduction

The Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007 (KAAPA) was enacted to prevent and control anti-social activities in the state of Kerala. It provides a framework for preventive detention of individuals involved in activities deemed prejudicial to the maintenance of public order. Section 13 specifically addresses the revocation and subsequent issuance of detention orders.

What does Section 13 Say

Section 13 of the KAAPA outlines the conditions under which a detention order may be revoked and the implications of such revocation. Subsection (2) clarifies that the revocation or expiry of a detention order does not prevent the issuance of another detention order against the same individual under Section 3.

Essential Ingredients

  • Revocation of Detention: The government has the authority to revoke or modify a detention order at any time.
  • Subsequent Detention Orders: The revocation or expiry of a detention order does not bar the issuance of another order against the same person.

Scope of Section

The scope of Section 13 is significant as it allows for continuous preventive detention of individuals who may pose a threat to public order, even after previous detention orders have been revoked or have expired. This provision is crucial for maintaining public safety and order.

Punishment for Section

While Section 13 itself does not prescribe specific punishments, it facilitates the issuance of detention orders under Section 3, which can lead to significant restrictions on personal liberty for individuals deemed as threats to public order.

Legal Comments

This commentary provides an overview of Section 13 of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007, highlighting its implications, scope, and the legal framework surrounding preventive detention in Kerala.

S.14 Temporary release of persons detained

The Government may, at any time, direct that any person detained in pursuance of a detention order may be released for a period not exceeding one week either without any condition or under such conditions as may be specified in the direction, and may at any time, cancel such direction issued earlier.


S.15 Power to make orders restricting the movements of certain persons

       (1) The District Magistrate or a police officer of and above the rank of Deputy Inspector General having jurisdiction, if satisfied on information received in respect of a known goonda or known rowdy, after having given him an opportunity to be heard by notice served on him or pasted at his ordinary place of residence, if
       any in Kerala, that he is indulging in or about to indulge in or likely to indulge in anti-social activities and with a view to prevent him from so acting at any place within the jurisdiction of such magistrate or officer, may make an order,--
        (a) directing that, except in so far as he may be permitted by the conditions made in the order, he shall not visit any such area or place as may be specified in the order, for a period not exceeding one year;
     &n

S.16 Punishment for concealing persons ordered to be detained

Whoever, knows or has reason to believe that an order against any person has been made under section 3 or section 15, harbours or conceals such person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but may extend to one year, and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.


S.17 Power to search

       (1) The Government or the authorised officer may, by general or special order, empower any police officer to search any place, stop and search any vessel, vehicle or animal, and may seize anything which he has reason to believe, has been, is being, or is about to be, used for committing any anti-social activity.
        (2) Any officer empowered under sub-section (1) shall forthwith report to the Government or the authorised officer in detail any seizure made by him and till the receipt of their orders, may detain in custody anything so seized or take such other steps for its safe custody, as he may think fit.
(3) The Government or the authorised officer may make such order as they deem fit, for the disposal of anything seized under sub-section (1), by destruction, confiscation or in such other manner, as they may direct.


S.18 Protection of action taken in good faith

       (1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any officer, authorised or not for anything done or intended to be done in good faith under this Act.
        (2) No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Government for any damage caused or deemed to have been caused by any action taken or intended to be taken in good faith in pursuance of any order made or deemed to be made under this Act.
        (3) No public servant shall be penalised in any manner for any act or omission committed in good faith, in pursuance of official duty cast upon him or in preparing any material or document for the purpose of initiating action under this Act or for any omission or error in listing out or categorising any offence in which the detained person had been involved or convicted.

S.19 Offences to be cognizable and non-bailable

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974), all offences and wilful violations of lawful orders made under this Act shall be cognizable and non-bailable.


S.20 Manner of issue of orders of Government

All orders issued by the Government under this Act shall be under the seal and signature of the Secretary, Home Department.


S.21 Power to make rules

       (1) The Government may make rules, not inconsistent with this Act, for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
(2) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the Legislative Assembly while it is in session for a total period of fourteen days which may be comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and if before the expiry of the session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following, the Legislative Assembly makes any modification in the rule or decides that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so however that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.


S.22 Repeal and Savings

       (1) The Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Ordinance, 2007 (44 of 2007), is hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the said Ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act.


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