Maharashtra's Monsoon Session: 14 Bills, Including Special Public Security Measure, Set for Introduction.
  • 524 views
  • 2 min read

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.


Writer - Diya Menon
Diya Menon is an enthusiastic journalist, eager to contribute fresh perspectives to the evolving media landscape, driven by a passion for sports. With a recent degree in communication studies, Diya is particularly interested in social trends and compelling human-interest stories within her community. She's dedicated to delivering well-researched and engaging content, aiming to uncover and share narratives that resonate deeply with the local population, while also actively following the latest in sports.
Advertisement

Latest Post


World  |  Aug 18, 2025
Tragedy struck in the Gharota area on the outskirts of Jammu on Sunday evening as an eight-year-old boy was fatally crushed by a speeding SUV. The young victim, Harsh Singh, was returning home with his father from their agricultural field when the in...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
Lamine Yamal is stepping into the spotlight at Barcelona, embracing the pressure that comes with joining a club steeped in history and কিংবদন্তি. The young player, who Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has called "touched by the wand of God," has been ha...

Technology  |  Aug 18, 2025
Ethereum (ETH) is currently navigating a critical juncture, with analysts closely observing price movements for signals of a potential retest of $3. 9K followed by a substantial rally. Recent market behavior shows ETH consolidating within a $3,900 to ...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
Parliamentary proceedings have addressed key issues ranging from digital payment policies to skill development initiatives for adolescent girls. Here's a summary of the important updates: **No Transaction Charges on UPI Payments** The government ha...

Advertisement
World  |  Aug 18, 2025
On Monday, August 18, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin contacted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide a briefing on his recent summit with U. S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. The call, which was initiated by Putin, aimed to share i...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the validity of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, effectively upholding the Bombay High Court's previous decision. The petition, filed by Chetan Chandrakant Ahire, alleged that approximate...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Income Tax Department is intensifying its investigation into US-based investor Jane Street's Indian operations, seeking clarity on the firm's control and potential tax avoidance. This probe follows a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) ...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Premier League is back, with Leeds United hosting Everton at Elland Road to wrap up Matchweek 1 of the 2025-26 season. After a two-season absence, Leeds returns to the Premier League after winning the EFL Championship last season. Everton finishe...

Advertisement

About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360