How a new law in Maharashtra could criminalise dissent
Framed as a tool to fight 'urban Naxalism', Maharashtra's Special Public Security Bill has sparked outrage for its sweeping powers. Critics say it criminalises dissent, bypasses due process, and could turn peaceful protest into a punishable offence
In December 2024, just a day before the winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly ended, the Eknath Shinde-led government tabled the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill — a controversial law ostensibly crafted to target 'urban Naxals' and their support networks.
But what the government describes as a necessary security measure, civil society groups have called 'draconian', 'unconstitutional', and 'a danger to India's democratic fabric'. As many as 12,000 objections and suggestions were submitted by April 1 in response to the Bill. Now, a broad coalition of political parties and grassroots organisations is preparing to march in protest at Mumbai's Azad Maidan on June 30.
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