India passes 'draconian' anti-terror bill

India has boosted security and pushed for anti-terror laws since the December attack

NEW DELHI, India -- India's powerful lower house of parliament has passed a controversial new anti-terrorism bill that would give police sweeping powers to arrest and punish suspects.

The entire opposition walked out of the lower house, or Lok Sabha, in protest after the legislation was adopted by 261 to 137 votes.

They described the proposed law as a draconian measure giving unbridled powers to police.

The Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO), which was mooted following the September 11 attacks in the United States, would allow police to detain suspects for 30 days without trial.

It defines a terrorist as anyone threatening India's unity as well as causing terror among people. Anyone who finances, plans, prepares, carries out or supports terrorist acts can be held and tried under the legislation.

However, before it can become law, the legislation will need to be approved by the upper house, where the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition government does not have a majority.

It is unlikely to be approved since the opposition commands majority support there, analysts have said.

'Empower them'

India argues that forces need more powers to deal with terrorism

Citing the December 13 attack on parliament -- blamed on Pakistan-based Muslim militants fighting New Delhi's rule in Kashmir -- India's home minister said forces need more powers to deal with terrorism, and safeguards had been built into the legislation.

"When we ask our security forces to crush terrorism how can we not empower them with adequate powers," Home (Interior) Minister L.K. Advani said before putting POTO to vote.

"We have incorporated several safeguards that have been suggested by the Supreme Court and by lawmakers and so there should be no controversy."

India says it needs the law to quell rising violence in its rebellion-torn state of Kashmir and in the northeast and to increase the rate of convictions of those arrested for violence.

Since the December attack, South Asian nuclear foes India and Pakistan have amassed huge forces along their common border, heightening tension in the region.

But opposition parties and human rights groups describe the bill as draconian, saying it could be used to harass innocent people and target minority Muslims.

"It empowers authorities to put anyone in jail without bail," S. Jaipal Reddy of the main opposition party, Congress, told parliament. "This law is so flawed ... we have no option but to oppose it."