The Indian parliament, meeting in a rare joint session, has voted in favour of controversial anti-terrorism legislation. The Prevention of Terrorism Bill was passed by 425 votes to 296 in the historic session - only the third of its kind since India gained independence in 1947 - after a stormy debate lasting more than nine hours. Opposition parties voted against the bill, saying they feared the increased powers would be misused by the security forces, and describing the measures as draconian. The legislation lays down provisions for curbing funding for suspected terrorists, confiscating their property and allowing for the detention of suspects for up to 90 days without trial.