Six Outdated Laws That India Should Scrap

#2 Dramatic Performances Act, Act 19 of 1876 & Prevention of Seditious Meetings Act, Act 10 of 1911

What does the law say?

The Act allows the state government to prohibit performances that are assumed to be scandalous, defamatory or likely to stimulate feelings of disaffection against state. Those disobeying such prohibitions are liable to penalties. These Acts prohibited meetings ‘likely to cause disturbance or ‘public excitement’, which are vague in definition.

Why is it Irrelevant?

These acts were enacted during the colonial era to curb nationalist sentiments propagated through dramatic performances and public meetings. It does not make sense to have it in today’s democratic world which propounds freedom of speech and expression. So far Delhi and West Bengal Governments have repealed Democratic performances act.

Also Read: India Wants Focus On Adaptation, CBDR To Tackle Climate Change
Government Officers Getting Trained In New Media Tools In Australia

#3 Reformatory Schools Act, Act 8 of 1897:

What does the law say?

This Act was enacted to amend the law related to reformatory schools dealing with ‘youthful offenders’. It gives the power to establish Reformatory Schools, inspect them, and for courts to direct youthful offenders to these schools which allows ‘detention.’

Why is it irrelevant?

Firstly, this Act may be in conflict with Article 14 of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, as it is only applicable to boy under the age of 15, and not to girls.

Secondly, practicing ‘detention’ in reformatory schools is blankly against the scheme of Juvenile Justice Act, 2000. In the light of this, the Reformatory Schools law of 1897 is in conflict with the new one.

Also Read: India Among Top 10 Countries in Terms of Expat Quality of Life: Survey