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Shimla, March 28,
Taking a bold step against rising organised crime, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced the Himachal Pradesh Organised Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025 (HPOCA), mirroring the Maharashtra Organised Crime Act (MOCA). The legislation targets criminal syndicates involved in drug trafficking, cyber terrorism, human organ trade, and healthcare fraud, among other serious offences.
Presenting the bill in the Assembly on Wednesday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the growing threat organised crime poses to public order, economic stability, and societal security. He stressed that a dedicated legal framework was essential to dismantle these networks operating in the state.
The new law casts a wide net, defining organised crime as any continuing unlawful activity committed by individuals or syndicates through violence, coercion, or intimidation for financial gain or to spread terror. It covers a broad range of crimes, including drug trafficking, environmental offences like illegal mining and wildlife smuggling, intellectual property violations such as piracy and counterfeiting, as well as cyber terrorism and healthcare fraud. Human organ trafficking, fake document rackets, food and drug adulteration, and sports corruption such as match-fixing have also been brought under its ambit.
To ensure a strong deterrent, the legislation prescribes the death penalty or life imprisonment for crimes resulting in death. Other offences will attract severe punishments, including heavy fines and stringent prison terms. Repeat offenders will face even harsher penalties to curb persistent criminal behavior. The bill also includes provisions to seize properties linked to crime syndicates, striking at the financial backbone of organised crime. Officers investigating such cases will be granted greater authority and legal protection when acting in good faith.
Until now, Himachal Pradesh had no dedicated law against organised crime, as such offences were once rare in the state. However, with a surge in these unlawful activities, the government deemed HPOCA an urgent necessity. Chief Minister Sukhu, who also holds the Home portfolio, asserted that the new law would ensure justice, enhance public security, and effectively dismantle criminal syndicates.
The bill is set for discussion on the final day of the Assembly session tomorrow. If passed, Himachal Pradesh will join the ranks of states that have enacted similar laws to rein in gangsters and organised crime networks.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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