Union Minister moves Weapons of Mass Destruction Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister moves Weapons of Mass Destruction Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha” published in AIR on 19th July 2022.

What is the News?

The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022 was introduced in Rajya Sabha.

What is the Weapons of Mass Destruction Amendment Bill,2022?

The Bill amends the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005.

Why was this Bill brought?  

The 2005 Act prohibits unlawful activities (such as manufacturing, transport, or transfer) related to weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.   Weapons of mass destruction are biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons. 

However, presently there are no specific provisions in the WMD Act of 2005 in relation to the prohibition or prevention of financing of prohibited WMD activities. Therefore, there is a need to amend the WMD Act of 2005.

What are the key provisions of the bill?

Prohibition on financing certain activities: The Bill bars persons from financing any prohibited activity related to weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.   

– To prevent persons from financing such activities, the central government may freeze, seize or attach their funds, financial assets, or economic resources (whether owned, held, or controlled directly or indirectly).  

– It may also prohibit persons from making finances or related services available for the benefit of other persons in relation to any activity which is prohibited.

Click Here to read about the Bill