Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024

Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024

Why in News? 

Recently Maharashtra Assembly passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024 in a voice vote on 10 July 2025. This bill aims to counter Urban Naxalism and Left‑Wing Extremism by granting strong powers to identify and act against suspect groups.

Key Provisions and Powers under the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024 – 

• Definition of Unlawful Activity: The Bill labels any speech or action that threatens public peace, disruption of law and order, obstruction of government operations, or promotion of violence as “unlawful activity.” It includes speech, writing, gatherings, vandalism, intimidation, use of weapons, calls for disobedience, and fundraising for such acts.

• Designation of Unlawful Organisations: The state government may declare a group as “unlawful.” A declaration is first issued publicly. The target organisation can reply within 15 days. An Advisory Board, made up of three members qualified for High Court judgeship, reviews the declaration.

• Role of Advisory Board: This board reviews designation within six weeks and issues a verdict within three months. It holds the power to summon witnesses and scrutinise documents. If the board rejects the declaration, the government must rescind it.

• Immediate Effect: The government can enforce the designation immediately by giving written reasons. The status remains for one year. It may be renewed for another year each time.

• Asset Seizure: Once a group is declared unlawful, officials can seize places used by them, evict the occupants, and confiscate movable assets. Banks and funds linked to that group may be frozen or forfeited. Judicial review is barred except in limited cases such as fund forfeiture or designation, which can be challenged before the High Court.

• Appeals: Organisations can appeal to the High Court within 30 days after designation or asset forfeiture. Yet other decisions such as evictions or property seizure cannot be reviewed by any court, limiting legal accountability.

• Range of Offences: The Bill outlines clear offences:

• • • Non‑members who give funds or aid face up to two years in jail and ₹2 lakh fine.

• Members, promoters, managers, or attendees of unlawful groups face up to three years in jail and ₹3 lakh fine.

• Those planning or committing unlawful acts face up to seven years in jail and ₹5 lakh fine.

• Cognisable and Non‑bailable Status: The Bill treats all violations as serious crimes where police can arrest without a warrant and bail cannot be granted easily. Investigating responsibility lies with police officers of Sub‑Inspector rank or above. Charges can be initiated only with approval from a senior officer of DIG rank or higher. Courts can act only after a report has been filed by an officer not below Additional Director General rank.

• Streamlined Prosecution: The Bill enables quicker action by allowing District Magistrates or police commissioners to authorise seizures or notifications without seeking higher approval. This aims to speed up response against suspected extremist fronts.

• Reforms from Joint Committee: Based on feedback the Bill added clarity: it now explicitly targets left‑wing extremist outfits. The Advisory Board now includes a retired judge and a government pleader alongside a serving judge. Investigation roles raised to DSP or equivalent, replacing earlier lower‑ranked officers.

• Comparisons with Other Laws: The Bill mirrors provisions in Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha. It supplements central laws like UAPA and state Acts like MCOCA. But its definitions remain broader and allow stronger executive controls with minimal judicial oversight.

Also Read: One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Why was the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill Introduced?

• Rise of Urban Left-Wing Extremism: Maharashtra’s government observed that left-wing extremist ideologies began to spread beyond rural areas in late 2024. These ideologies seeped into cities through front groups linked to Naxalism. The Bill aims to prevent these groups from mobilizing urban public opinion or resources.

• Gap in Existing Legal Tools: The state government and policy experts highlighted that national laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act were insufficient to tackle growing urban radical networks. The new law would grant focused urban powers tailored to Maharashtra’s context.

• Continued Maoist Violence in Remote Districts: Maharashtra remains one of the states severely affected by Maoist insurgency, particularly in districts like Gadchiroli, Gondia, and Chandrapur. These districts have seen regular confrontations between security forces and Maoist units for more than a decade.