Has the Maharashtra Public Security Bill Draft Shifted Its Focus to Left Wing Extremists?

Mumbai, June 26 (NationPress) The revised draft of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 has shifted its focus from 'certain unlawful activities of individuals and organisations' to specifically addressing 'certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) organisations or similar entities.'

The Joint Select Committee of legislators approved this amendment during their final meeting on Thursday.

The bill, which was introduced in the state legislature during last year’s winter session, faced criticism for its potential to label individuals as 'urban naxals.' In response to the backlash, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis decided to send it to the joint select committee for further review.

It is anticipated that the bill will be introduced in the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature, commencing June 30.

This amendment was necessary due to significant opposition from various political groups, civil society organisations, and NGOs, who were concerned about the extensive powers granted to the state government.

A 25-member joint select committee, led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, convened five times. The committee's report recommends that the state government develop a comprehensive strategy to deter youth from gravitating towards Maoist ideologies and facilitate their reintegration into society.

In addition to the primary objective change, two other amendments have been incorporated into the bill's draft. The advisory board responsible for designating an organisation as unlawful will now include a serving or retired High Court justice, a retired district judge, and a High Court public prosecutor, with the High Court justice serving as the chairperson.

Previously, the advisory board consisted solely of a High Court justice or an individual of equivalent standing. Moreover, the draft stipulates that the officer investigating crimes under this bill must hold at least the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

During discussions, committee members pointed out that cases under the UAPA and the Prevention of Atrocities Act are investigated by officers of equal rank. “In the earlier proposed draft, the investigation was to be conducted by a Police sub-inspector rank officer. We opposed it,” stated a committee member.

On May 21, Bawankule expressed optimism about the state government passing the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 during the forthcoming monsoon session. He noted, “Similar acts exist in four other states, and we expect the bill's passage to effectively address the urban naxal issue and prevent certain unlawful activities.” However, the term 'urban naxal' has been removed from the revised bill.

Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in