Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the draft of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, on Monday, aimed at curbing Naxalism and its sympathizers in urban areas, with plans to table it during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature, an official confirmed. The bill, finalized by a joint select committee led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, is expected to be introduced this week or next, following extensive revisions prompted by over 12,000 public objections and suggestions received after its reintroduction in the December 2024 winter session in Nagpur.

Initially tabled in July 2024 by then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the bill faced strong opposition for its vague definitions and potential to suppress dissent, with critics like Congress MLA Prithviraj Chavan and activist Teesta Setalvad labeling it “draconian” and a tool to “muzzle protests.” The revised draft shifts focus to left-wing extremist organizations, avoiding direct references to “urban Naxals” and establishing an advisory board of three High Court judge-qualified members to oversee declarations of unlawful organizations, aiming to address concerns about misuse. Penalties include 2–7 years’ imprisonment and fines of ₹2–7 lakh for activities like aiding, managing, or promoting unlawful organizations.

Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, emphasized that the law targets organizations involved in anti-national activities, not individuals or journalists, and aligns with similar laws in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, which have banned 48 Naxal frontal organizations. He cited the growing presence of Maoist-linked groups in urban Maharashtra, providing logistics and safe havens, as a key justification, noting that existing laws like UAPA and IPC are inadequate. Critics, including NCP’s Jayant Patil and activist Vishwas Utagi, continue to warn of ambiguous language risking misuse against dissenters, with protests planned for the monsoon session’s start on June 30.

Also Read: Uttarakhand CM Takes to Skies to Assess Rain-Ravaged Uttarkashi

Also Read: Delhi Bolsters Healthcare with 1,300 New Nurses and Ayushman Vans