The Maharashtra government is gearing up to introduce the revised Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, along with 13 other bills, in the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature, scheduled to commence on June 30 and continue until July 18. This announcement follows significant revisions to the bill after facing criticism and scrutiny.
The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, initially tabled in July 2024, drew flak for granting the state government extensive powers to crack down on Naxal or leftist activities, leading to it being labeled as "repressive" and "anti-people". Concerns arose that the bill could be misused to suppress dissent and target government critics under the guise of curbing "urban Naxalism".
In response to the widespread objections, a 26-member Joint Select Committee, led by BJP Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and comprising legislators from all political parties, was formed in December 2024 to review the bill. The committee received over 1,200 suggestions and objections from citizens and social organizations, leading to a dilution of the bill's objectives and provisions.
One of the most significant changes is the bill's redefined focus. The amended draft now explicitly targets unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) organizations or similar outfits, replacing the earlier phrasing that targeted "certain unlawful activities of individuals and organizations". This change ensures that individuals and political parties will not be booked under the proposed act, addressing concerns about the bill's potential misuse against dissenting voices. The term "urban Naxalism" has also been removed from the tweaked bill.
Furthermore, the composition of the advisory board, responsible for declaring an organization as unlawful, has been revised. The board will now include a working or retired High Court justice (as chairperson), a retired district judge, and a High Court public prosecutor. Earlier, the advisory board was made up only of a high court justice or retired justice or those who are of equal qualification. Additionally, investigations under the bill must be led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) or higher, aligning with procedures for the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasized that the revised bill is based on the consensus of all members of the joint select committee and that misunderstandings about its provisions have been cleared. He also highlighted the strong support from responsible citizens across Maharashtra, with around 13,000 suggestions and amendments studied in detail before finalizing the bill.
The committee has also recommended that the state government should develop an inclusive policy to prevent youth from being influenced by Maoist ideology and to reintegrate them into the mainstream.
Despite these revisions, some civil society organizations remain unconvinced, arguing that the potential for misuse still exists due to room for interpretation. Ulka Mahajan, State Convenor of Bharat Jodo Andolan, expressed concerns that the bill intends to suppress voices opposing the government.
The monsoon session is set to begin on June 30 at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai. The state government hopes to seek the passage of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, during this session.
