Parliament passes Enemy Property bill

Parliament has passed the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016 with the Lok Sabha approving the amendments made to the Bill. The Rajya Sabha had passed the bill with some amendments on Friday. 

The amendments to the bill in the Lok Sabha were moved by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The Bill will replace the ordinance promulgated by the government. It guards against claims of succession or transfer of properties left by people who migrated to Pakistan and China after wars. 

Replying to the discussion



on it, Mr Rajnath Singh clarified that the legislation in no manner violates the principles of natural justice and human rights. He said, if by mistake any property is declared as enemy property then the affected party can approach the grievance redressal mechanism as provided in the bill. He also clarified that no enemy property has been disposed of so far by the custodian. 

Responding to the concerns of members giving retrospective effect to the legislation, the Home Minister said, there will be no adverse effect of it.