Jul 10, 12:04 PM

Maharashtra Tables Revised Security Bill Targeting Left-Wing Extremism

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday tabled a revised Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 in the state Legislative Assembly, seeking stronger legal tools against organisations linked to what the measure now calls “extreme Left-wing ideology.” The draft, informally known as the Jan Suraksha Bill, replaces the earlier term “urban Naxal,” following recommendations from a Joint Select Committee. Key amendments require an advisory board—headed by a sitting or retired High Court judge and including district magistrates or government pleaders—to approve any declaration of an organisation as unlawful. Investigations must be led by an officer of at least Superintendent-of-Police rank, upgrading the previous sub-inspector threshold. The committee met five times, reviewed 12,500 public submissions and accepted several Opposition suggestions. Penalties in the bill continue to include jail terms of up to three years and fines of as much as ₹300,000 for members of banned entities, and up to two years’ imprisonment and a ₹200,000 fine for those who finance or harbour such groups. First introduced during the July 2024 monsoon session and reintroduced in December 2024, the legislation aims to curb funding and recruitment for Left-wing extremist organisations. Opposition lawmakers remain cautious, arguing that the state already has broad powers under existing national security laws, but acknowledge the government’s willingness to modify contentious language.

#Maharashtra #Devendra Fadnavis #Legislative Assembly #Jan Suraksha Bill #Naxal #Joint Select Committee #High Court #Opposition #Left

Written with ChatGPT .

Maharashtra Tables Revised Security Bill Targeting Left-Wing Extremism

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