The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has passed the revised Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, through a voice vote. The bill is aimed at curbing unlawful activities by left-wing extremist and similar organisations.
First introduced in the winter session last year, the bill was reviewed by a joint select committee led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Based on the committee&rsquo;s recommendations, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the amended version during Thursday&rsquo;s session.
The bill has been updated to specifically target unlawful actions by left-wing extremist groups instead of individuals or general organisations. While CPM member Vinod Nikola opposed the bill, the joint committee report recorded no official dissent.
Defending the bill, CM Fadnavis stated that the legislation is not meant to harass any individual or political ideology. He emphasized that the law is designed to act against those who incite the public against the Indian Constitution. Political parties and journalists are not covered under its scope unless they directly support anti-constitutional activities.
He further clarified that organisations representing farmers or other social groups will not be affected if their activities remain within legal limits. "If any group attempts to dismantle the country&rsquo;s institutions, only then will this law be applicable," Fadnavis said.
States like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand have already banned 48 organisations under similar laws. Maharashtra&rsquo;s law will also include provisions against financing groups that promote anti-national activities. Fadnavis assured the Assembly that there will be no misuse of the law.
Key changes include the formation of a more robust advisory board that will assess whether an organisation should be declared unlawful. The board will include a current or former High Court judge as chairperson, a retired district judge, and a government pleader from the High Court.
Another amendment mandates that only officers ranked Deputy Superintendent of Police or higher will investigate cases filed under this law. This aligns with protocols followed under the UAPA and the Prevention of Atrocities Act. Earlier, such investigations could be handled by sub-inspectors.
The bill defines "unlawful activity" as any act, expression, sign or symbol that threatens public peace, order, or interferes with legal and institutional processes. It also allows the government to notify and seize premises used for unlawful activities once an organisation is designated as illegal.
If the government declares a group unlawful through a gazette notification, that organisation has 15 days to submit a representation. This appeal will be reviewed by the advisory board.
The bill moves Maharashtra in line with other states that have taken a stronger legal stance against extremist activities. It is now set for further implementation once notified. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

New law targets left-wing extremist groups with stricter rules and stronger investigation procedures

Maharashtra Passes Bill to Curb Extremist Threats

New law targets left-wing extremist groups with stricter rules and stronger investigation procedures

July 10, 2025 | 20:07 IST