Public Security Act/Bill
Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill repressive, allows misuse: Civil society https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/maharashtra-special-public-security-bill-repressive-allows-misuse-civil-society/article68400402.ece July 14, 2024
Activists and lawyers have flagged seven sections of the proposed legislation, aimed at fighting Naxalism in the State, saying the Bill has far reaching consequences
At least seven sections of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 are either vague or bypass courts or give overriding powers to the State machinery, which is far beyond the objective of curbing Naxalism that the ordinance is aimed at, said civil society members.
Maharashtra Public Security Bill aims to legitimise the criminalisation of dissenting citizens, human rights defenders and political opponents : PUCL https://www.groundxero.in/2024/07/14/21310/ 14.7.24
Citing ‘Naxalism in urban areas’, Maharashtra Govt tables Bill https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/naxalism-in-urban-areas-maharashtra-govt-tables-bill-9447984/
The Bill grants the state the authority to declare an organisation as “unlawful” — a decision which can be reviewed by an advisory board set up by the state government.
the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, which proposes jail term even if a person is “not… a member of an unlawful organisation”, but “contributes/ receives/ solicits any contribution or aid” or “harbours” its member, as well as for those who “promote or assist in promoting a meeting” of such groups.
The Bill defines an “unlawful activity” as one which constitutes a danger or menace to public order, peace and tranquility; interferes with maintenance of public order, “administration of law or its established institutions and personnel”; designed to show criminal force to any public servant; indulging in or propagating acts of violence, vandalism, use of firearms, explosives or disrupting communications by rail, road, air or water; “encouraging or preaching disobedience to established law and its institutions”; collecting money or goods to carry out unlawful activities.