Supreme Court Refers Challenges to UP Gangsters Act to Three-Judge Bench

The Supreme Court has clubbed multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986, and referred them to a three-judge bench for authoritative adjudication.

The Court noted that similar organised crime laws exist across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi, making the issue of wider national importance. It also made the Central government a party to the proceedings.

The petitions raise concerns about overlap with provisions on organised crime under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and broader constitutional issues.

The move aims to ensure consistency and clarity in evaluating such laws.

[Irfan Solanki v. State of UP]