Maharashtra Assembly Passes Special Public Security Bill To Curb Urban Naxal Activities
Maharashtra Assembly Passes Special Public Security Bill To Curb Urban Naxal Activities
Mumbai, July 12, 2025: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the Special Public Security Bill by a voice vote, aiming to curb unlawful activities of Left Wing extremist organisations with a particular focus on urban Naxalism.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, introduced the bill in the lower house. He assured legislators that the law, once enacted, would not be misused and would focus on safeguarding the state’s security.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1943364778627682317?t=INjsJT_FIz_z9q30c4PmHA&s=19
The bill, cleared with amendments by a joint select committee of both houses, is yet to be tabled in the Legislative Council. Opposition parties expressed concern over the bill’s broad interpretation of “urban Naxal”, fearing it could lead to overreach.
“The safety and security of the state and the nation are paramount. It is essential to counter organisations working against democracy and the Constitution,” Fadnavis said. He described the legislation as balanced and “more progressive” compared to similar laws in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
He also highlighted that the final draft incorporated over 12,500 public suggestions. “There will be no abuse of power. The provisions have been carefully framed to ensure fairness,” he added.
The bill provides for the formation of an Advisory Board headed by the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the High Court. Its members will include district magistrates and government pleaders from the High Court. Investigations under this law will be led by officers of superintendent of police rank or higher, replacing the earlier provision of sub-inspectors handling such cases.
No member of the joint select committee raised objections to the bill during its drafting process, Fadnavis noted.
