Mumbai:-The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has officially passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024—a state‑level security law aimed at curbing the influence of left‑wing extremist (LWE) organisations, particularly those linked to urban Naxalism .
Key Features & Objectives
The law grants the state government authority to declare groups as unlawful organisations and seize their assets and funds.
It now focuses exclusively on left‑wing extremist organisations, moving away from broad proposals that targeted individuals accused of “urban Naxalism” .
Investigations of such organisations must now be led by higher-ranking officers (Deputy SP in rural zones, Assistant Commissioners in urban areas), replacing earlier provisions assigning sub‑inspectors to the task .
An Advisory Board, comprised of retired High Court judges and other judicial figures, will review government declarations—aiming to add oversight to potential misuse of power .
Support and Criticism
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised that the law targets organisations that oppose democracy and threaten public order, not individual activists, teachers, or students. He reiterated that the bill will not interfere with dissent expressed through peaceful protests .
Opposition lawmakers including from Congress, NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and CPI voiced concerns over the bill’s vague definitions (e.g. “unlawful activities,” “left-wing extremism”). They warned that the law could be misused against legitimate protests and dissent rather than extremist activity .
Critics also noted that suggested changes from the joint select committee—such as extending appeal timelines and ensuring truly independent review boards—were not incorporated in the final version of the bill .
Some argued that existing legislative tools like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and MCOCA sufficiently address extremist threats, making the new bill redundant .
What’s Special About the Bill?
Organisational focus: Rather than penalising individuals, the law targets entire groups accused of LWE activities.
Extra-constitutional powers: The state can act swiftly even before Advisory Board approval if considered necessary, including forfeiture of property and designation of groups as unlawful .
Controversy over civil liberties: Critics call out the risk of suppressing free speech and association under the guise of public security .
Broader Implications
Maharashtra joins a cluster of states such as Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha that have enacted state‑level public security laws targeting extremist ideologies .
The passage of this bill prompts questions about the balance between national security and democratic freedoms, and whether such state-specific laws overlap or conflict with federal statutes like UAPA .
Summary Table
Area What the Bill Does
Target LWE organisations (not individuals)
Powers Designate groups as unlawful, seize assets, restrict fundraising
Oversight Advisory Board of retired/high court judges
Concerns Vague terms, potential misuse, overlap with UAPA/MCOCA
Assembly Outcome Passed amid opposition majority, without key amendments
