The Delhi legislative assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed ‘Delhi Prevention of Touting and Malpractices against Tourists Bill, 2010’.

The bill will replace an ordinance promulgated by Lieutenant Governor on 1st October, 2010 keeping in view the importance and urgency due to Commonwealth Games 2010.

Earlier there was no specific act to deal with the menace of touts. The new Act will have provisions for the prevention of acts of touting and malpractices with reference to tourists visiting Delhi.

As per the definition given in the bill malpractice includes dis-honesty, cheating, impersonation and obstruction in allowing free choice for shopping or stays or travel arrangements. It will prevent enticing, mis-guiding or coercing for shopping, accommodation, transportation, sight-seeing or pestering for any particular premises, therefore, any persons, establishment, dealer or manufacturer for personal consideration. The provisions of the bill will be enforced by the present staff strength of Delhi Police.

The offences under the act will be cognizable and bailable.  Any persons who touts or commits malpractice shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to Rs.10,000/- or with both.  Further any attempt to commit an offence punishable under the Act shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to Rs.2000/- or both.

The act also envisages powers of police officers and procedure for speedy investigation and trial of offences.  The Commissioner of Police or any Police Officer not below the rank of DCP, authorized in this behalf by general or special order by the CP, shall have power to declare any person who is habitually or repeatedly involved in activities punishable under the new act, out of bounds from Delhi or any part thereof, for a period which shall not be less than six months but may extend to one year.