Bill to combat ‘kabootarbazi’ passed in Haryana Assembly; offenders face jail, Rs 5 lakh fine

Pradeep Sharma

Chandigarh, February 28

In a bid to combat ‘kabootarbazi’ and regulate fraudulent travel agents, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha today passed the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, 2024.

The Bill, which was passed by a voice vote on the last day of the Budget session in the absence of the Opposition Congress and the INLD, provided for stringent punishment for the offenders, including up to 10 years jail, penalty up to Rs 5 lakh and confiscation of their properties.

“The innocent and unemployed youth of Haryana are being lured into traps of illegal immigration through illegitimate means. The unscrupulous and unregulated travel agents deceive such persons by promising them easy and quick immigration to foreign countries. Many a time, these agents send innocent persons to foreign countries illegally and there is a dire need to curb the illegal activities of such travel agents,” Homer Minister Anil Vij said while introducing the Bill.

The minister asserted that the Bill provided for measures to check and monitor the unlawful and fraudulent activities of the travel agents and provide a mechanism to punish such wrongdoers as per law.

Meanwhile, any travel agent operating without the registration certificate will liable to be punished with imprisonment not less than two years, which may extend up to seven years. Besides, a fine of Rs 2 lakh, which may extend up to Rs 5 lakh, can also be imposed.

Similarly, travel agents found involved in human trafficking and preparation of forged documents, shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than three years, which may be extended up to 10 years. The fine in these cases would be Rs 2 lakh but may increase up to Rs 5 lakh.

Under the new law, the offences punishable under the Act, shall be cognisable and non-bailable. Every travel agent will now have to get a registration certificate before starting the business.

Nod to seven more Bills

• The Hisar Metropolitan Development Authority Bill, 2024
• The Haryana Registration and Regulation of Private Coaching Institutes Bill, 2024
• The Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission to Educational Institutions) Amendment Bill, 2024
• The Haryana Appropriation (No.1) Bill, 2024
• The Haryana Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2024
• The Haryana State Sports Associations (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2024
• The Haryana Consolidation of Project Land (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill, 2024