The Punjab government has prepared draft legislation that would make secretly filming now punishable under a comprehensive new legal framework. The proposed law targets modern forms of crime, including secret recordings, stalking, cyber bullying, online blackmail, and digital extortion.
Officials drafted the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behavior Act 2026 to replace the decades-old Control of Goondas Act. Therefore, this represents a major overhaul of Punjab’s approach to criminal behavior. The old law, they argue, cannot handle present-day offenses, particularly online harassment and digital abuse.
Under the proposed law, authorities would take action against individuals involved in covert recording. This includes capturing a person’s private moments through photos or videos. Additionally, the law covers stalking, online intimidation, cyber bullying, and digital blackmail. The draft also addresses behavior that spreads fear, creates harassment, or disturbs public order in communities.
Officials say the legislation introduces a more updated system for dealing with habitual offenders and anti-social elements at the district level. Moreover, District Intelligence Committees would gain the power to recommend that officials declare someone a habitual offender.
Such a designation could trigger several administrative steps. These include placement on a no-fly list, blocking or confiscation of passports, freezing bank accounts, and cancellation of weapons licenses. Additionally, authorities could increase surveillance of suspects.
The draft law also includes provisions for property attachment or confiscation. However, officials say courts would scrutinize such measures to prevent abuse.
To guard against misuse, the proposed legislation includes the right to defense and the right to appeal. Officials have also proposed an appellate tribunal made up of a retired district judge and other members to hear appeals against actions. Finally, this safeguard helps ensure that the new powers granted don’t lead to arbitrary decisions.
Officials say the aim is to create a modern legal framework. It should address threats such as online harassment, digital blackmail, and covert privacy violations. Older laws simply cannot handle these emerging forms of abuse that secretly filming now punishable legislation seeks to confront directly.
