Maharashtra Assembly Passes Public Security Bill To Rein In ‘Urban Naxals' Amid Political Debate

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The proposed legislation, long stuck in political deadlock, has undergone significant changes following widespread resistance
After months of heated debates and thousands of objections from civil society and political parties, Maharashtra's controversial Special Public Security Bill (or Public Security Bill) was finally tabled in the state assembly on Thursday. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who personally presented the revised draft, said the new law will clamp down on organisations aiming to destabilise the constitutional fabric through ' Urban Naxalism" and extremist activities. The Bill was passed by the assembly and now goes to the legislative council.
The proposed legislation, long stuck in political deadlock, has undergone significant changes following widespread resistance. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule had earlier formed a joint committee, chaired by himself, to study public feedback and opposition concerns. The committee, comprising 25 all-party members including senior leaders like Jitendra Awhad, Satej Patil, Jayant Patil, Vijay Wadettiwar, Shashikant Shinde and Ajay Choudhary, submitted its report to the assembly on July 9. The government claims to have incorporated key amendments based on their recommendations.
According to Fadnavis, the state received over 12,500 suggestions and objections from various stakeholders. 'We have made the necessary changes as suggested by the opposition. This Bill is not aimed at silencing dissent but at protecting the democratic framework from groups who do not believe in democracy and wish to overthrow the system by misleading youth, especially in urban areas," Fadnavis said while introducing the Bill. The chief minister pointed out that while left-wing extremism in Maharashtra has shrunk from five districts to just two talukas, its strategies have evolved. 'Urban Maoists are brainwashing youngsters and creating unrest against the system. This law will help tackle that threat effectively," he asserted.
Under the revised Public Security Bill, any organisation identified as posing a threat to public order or national security can be immediately declared unlawful, and its members detained without filing formal charges at the outset. It empowers authorities to freeze bank accounts, seize properties, and shut down offices of banned organisations. If the same office-bearers attempt to regroup under a different name, the new entity will also automatically be treated as illegal.
Importantly, only an officer of DIG rank or above can authorise cases under this law, a safeguard aimed at preventing misuse.
One of the committee's key changes includes modifying the language from targeting 'individuals and organisations" to focusing on 'organisations with extreme ideologies". This, the government says, balances security needs with fundamental democratic rights. Still, concerns remain about potential misuse. Opposition leaders have pledged to keep a close watch to ensure the law does not become a tool to suppress political dissent.
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First Published:
July 10, 2025, 20:06 IST
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