📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Muhammad Mahdi Karim/ Augustus Binu
Crime
High Court Questions Need for Strict Dacoity Act Amid 1,000 FIRs in Madhya Pradesh
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 12 Sep 2026, 07:38 PM
👁 18
The High Court has asked why the strict Dacoity Act, which denies anticipatory bail, should not be scrapped, citing that Madhya Pradesh has no dacoits but 1,000 FIRs have been filed.
The High Court has questioned the necessity of the stringent Dacoity Act, which currently bars anticipatory bail for accused persons. In Madhya Pradesh, authorities report that there are no active dacoit gangs, yet the state has recorded around 1,000 FIRs under the act. The court asked why the legislation should remain in force when its primary target is absent.
Legal experts note that the act was originally designed to curb armed robbery and dacoity, but its provisions have been criticized for being overly punitive. The denial of anticipatory bail has led to concerns about potential misuse and the impact on due process.
The High Court’s query comes amid growing calls from civil society groups to review or repeal the act. They argue that the law’s strictness does not align with the current crime statistics in the state.
The court’s remarks are expected to prompt a review of the act’s relevance and may influence future legislative reforms aimed at balancing security and individual rights.
Legal experts note that the act was originally designed to curb armed robbery and dacoity, but its provisions have been criticized for being overly punitive. The denial of anticipatory bail has led to concerns about potential misuse and the impact on due process.
The High Court’s query comes amid growing calls from civil society groups to review or repeal the act. They argue that the law’s strictness does not align with the current crime statistics in the state.
The court’s remarks are expected to prompt a review of the act’s relevance and may influence future legislative reforms aimed at balancing security and individual rights.