The MP Redressal of begging Act 1973

(1) This Act may be called the Madhya Pradesh Redressal of Begging Act, 1973. (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Madhya Pradesh. (3) It shall come into force in such area or areas and on such date or dates as the State Government may, by notification, appoint.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— (a) "begging" means— (i) soliciting or receiving alms in a public place, whether or not under any pretence such as singing, dancing, fortune-telling, performing or offering any article for sale; (ii) entering on any private premises for the purpose of soliciting or receiving alms; (iii) exposing or exhibiting, with the object of obtaining or extorting alms any sore, wound, injury, deformity or disease, whether of a human being or of an animal; (iv) allowing oneself to be used as an exhibit for the purpose of soliciting or receiving alms; (b) "beggar" means any person found begging; (c) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (d) "public place" includes any railway carriage, carriage or vessel and any other place to which the public have or are permitted to have access; (e) "receiving centre" means a centre established under section 3 for the reception of beggars; (f) "Sada Vart" means an institution formed for the purpose of distribution of alms. (Clause 2(b) Explanation—Nothing in items (i) to (v) above shall apply to soliciting or receiving money or food or gifts for such purposes as may be prescribed by the State Government.)

The State Government may establish such number of receiving centres and training centres for the purpose of this Act and at such places as it deems fit.

If any person is found begging in any area in which this Act is in force, he shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.

(1) Any police officer not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector may arrest without warrant any person who is found begging. (2) The person arrested under sub-section (1) shall be brought before the nearest Magistrate within 24 hours of such arrest, excluding the time necessary for the journey from the place of arrest to the court of the Magistrate. (3) The Magistrate before whom any person is brought under sub-section (1) shall, if the person is a beggar, order him to be detained in a receiving centre for such period as he deems fit. (4) The Magistrate while passing an order of detention under sub-section (3) shall give reasons for such order. (5) In passing an order under sub-section (3), the Magistrate shall have regard to the following matters: (a) the age and character of the person, (b) the circumstances and conditions in which the person was living before his arrest, (c) report made by the probation officer, if any, (d) such other matters as may be prescribed. (6) The order of detention made under sub-section (3) shall be sufficient authority for the detention of the person in the receiving centre.

(1) The Magistrate while conducting summary inquiry shall see whether the person is a beggar and if he is, he may order him to be sent to a receiving centre. (2) The Magistrate shall keep a record of the summary inquiry conducted under sub-section (1). (3) The order passed under sub-section (1) shall be final.

Any person found begging habitually shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months.

(1) Whoever employs or causes any person to beg or uses any person as an exhibit for the purpose of begging shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both. (2) In computing the period of imprisonment under sub-section (1), the court shall have regard to the following: (i) the nature of the offence, (ii) the circumstances of the case. (3) The court shall record the reasons for the sentence passed under sub-section (1). (4) An offence under this section shall be a cognizable and non-bailable offence.

Offences under this Act shall be cognizable and non-bailable.

Any person arrested under this Act shall be produced before the Magistrate who may, if he deems fit, order such person to undergo medical or other examination as may be necessary.