Home Dept finalises draft of Goonda Act 2025

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has finalised the draft of the “Punjab Control of Goonda Act 2025” to tackle anti-social elements. The proposed legislation establishes a robust legal framework to identify, monitor, and prevent activities of habitual criminals.

Under the Act, individuals habitually engaged in disorderly conduct, criminal activities, or actions threatening public peace may be classified as a “Goonda.” The District Intelligence Committee will have the authority to designate someone as a Goonda based on credible reports from police, civil administration, intelligence agencies, or written public complaints.

The term “Goonda” encompasses those involved in drug trafficking, gambling, extortion, cybercrime, harassment, organised crime, use of forged documents, public display of weapons on social media, or impersonation of public officials.

Once declared a Goonda, an individual may face stringent measures, including placement on the No-Fly List, blocking of their national identity card and passport, and freezing of bank accounts. Authorities may also seize digital devices and data, cancel arms licenses, and restrict access to sensitive public locations. Community service and surety bonds may be mandated to ensure future compliance.

The law allows for technical surveillance, such as digital monitoring and biometric data collection. Violators of the District Intelligence Committee’s directives could face imprisonment of three to five years and fines up to Rs1.5 million. Repeat offenders may be jailed for up to seven years with fines up to Rs2 million.

Those labeled as Goondas can appeal the decision before divisional, provincial, or special appellate committees, with appeals heard by a tribunal led by a retired District and Sessions Judge. To ensure swift justice, the government plans to appoint magistrates under Section 30 of the Criminal Procedure Code. A Home Department spokesperson emphasized that the law aims to protect the public by curbing habitual offenders’ activities. The draft will soon be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval.