Centre sought clarifications, did not return Bill: Mamata

Amid reports that the Centre has returned the anti-chitfund Bill, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said some clarifications had been sought on the Bill sent for presidential assent. "The Centre did not return the Bill. The Bill is absolutely okay. The Centre only asked for clarifications on three points. They can seek such clarifications. It is their prerogative," Banerjee said.

The three points on which clarifications are sought include widening of powers of special designated courts and that no court could grant anticipatory bail and a suggestion by the Centre for adding a new provision for compounding offences. Banerjee added no clarification was sought on the clause that allowed retrospective effect. "We held a meeting today and agreed to all the three points made by the Centre . We are sending our reply today. We hope the Centre will not create any delay and send the Bill which we had sent for presidential assent," she said.