The Maharashtra legislature has unleashed a controversial crackdown on Left-wing extremism with the passage of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, sparking heated debate across the state. Approved by the Assembly on Thursday and the Legislative Council on Friday, the bill awaits the Governor’s assent to become law, promising severe penalties for those linked to "unlawful" activities.

The bill targets organizations deemed unlawful, slapping offenders with up to seven years in prison and fines as high as ₹5 lakh for serious crimes like planning or abetting unlawful acts. Even non-members contributing funds or sheltering members of banned groups face up to two years in jail and ₹2 lakh in fines. All offenses are cognizable and non-bailable, allowing police to arrest without warrants and courts to deny bail easily.

Empowering the state to seize properties, freeze funds, and evict occupants of buildings linked to unlawful organizations, the bill also restricts judicial oversight, limiting challenges to the High Court for fund forfeiture cases only. Before an organization is banned, an advisory board must review and approve the government’s decision, but critics argue this safeguard is insufficient.

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The BJP-led Mahayuti government defends the bill, claiming it’s essential to counter threats to public order, such as groups inciting violence or disrupting communication systems. However, opponents, including civil liberties groups, slam it as a "draconian" tool to silence dissent, citing vague definitions of "unlawful activities" and fears of misuse against activists and protesters.

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