Mumbai: A new law aimed at curbing activities of left-wing extremist organisations has been passed by the Maharashtra legislature. The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, cleared the state council on Friday following its approval in the assembly on Thursday. It introduces severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to seven years and fines reaching Rs 5 lakh, and categorises offences under the law as cognisable and non-bailable.
The legislation, which will take effect upon receiving the governor’s assent, targets individuals and organisations deemed to be involved in “unlawful” activities.
The most serious offences—such as committing, abetting, or planning unlawful acts in support of such organisations—carry punishments of up to seven years in jail and a Rs 5 lakh fine.
Since all offences under the law are cognisable and non-bailable, the police can arrest individuals without a warrant, and courts are not obliged to grant bail, the bill states.
These offences may result in imprisonment ranging from two to seven years. Additionally, those who are not formal members of banned outfits but are found to be contributing money, soliciting funds, or sheltering group members face penalties of up to two years in prison and fines reaching Rs 2 lakh, it stated.
The bill empowers the government to designate any organisation as unlawful if it is found to disrupt public order, incite violence, promote disobedience to law, or interfere with communication systems.
Once declared unlawful, the state gains authority to take over properties belonging to such organisations and freeze assets and bar access to funds, it said.
Activities considered offences under the legislation include being a member of an unlawful organisation, attending or promoting its meetings, managing its affairs, or participating in related unlawful activities.
It authorises the government to take strict action against the properties and financial assets of these organisations. This includes seizing buildings used by the groups, evicting occupants, confiscating any movable property on-site, and freezing or forfeiting organisational funds.
Before an organisation can officially be deemed unlawful, the government's decision must be reviewed and endorsed by an advisory board constituted under the law. The declaration becomes effective only after the board grants its approval.
The legislation also restricts judicial intervention in challenging government actions, allowing review only in cases relating to fund forfeiture, which may be contested solely in the High Court, the bill said.
Despite facing criticism, the BJP-led Mahayuti government has stood by the bill, asserting that it is essential for addressing threats to public order unique to Maharashtra.
(inputs from PTI)