- By Nidhi Giri
- Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
After the clearance of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill in the council on Friday and in the assembly on Thursday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray targeted the ruling Mahayuti government in the state and said that the bill should be renamed as "BJP security bill". The Bill aims to counter radical left ideologies and organisations allegedly promoting unlawful activities across the state.
Uddhav Thackeray accused the Mahayuti government of "misusing the majority" adding that the government could "pick up" commoners and imprison them.
"They can pick up anyone, including ordinary people, and imprison them. This bill is similar to previous acts like MESA and TADA. This bill should be called the 'BJP security bill' instead of the public security bill, as they believe speaking out against the BJP is tantamount to criticising the country. Currently, we don't support this bill," Thackeray said in Mumbai, as quoted by news agency ANI.
"They are misusing their majority rather than using it. It seems that the government says something and does something different. They say that the bill has been brought to end Naxalism and terrorism. However, the bill doesn't mention either Naxalism or terrorism. They have only mentioned 'left-wing extremist ideology' (or left-wing extremism)," Thackeray added.
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What Is Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024
Imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, classification of offences registered under it as cognisable and non-bailable are key features of a special bill passed by the Maharashtra legislature to curb activities of Left-wing extremist organisations.
The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, introduced strict measures against individuals and organisations involved in activities declared as "unlawful." It will come into force on receiving the Governor's assent.
The most serious offences, such as committing, abetting, or planning unlawful activities on behalf of such organisations, are punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. Since all offences under the law are cognisable and non-bailable, police can arrest individuals without a warrant, and courts are not obliged to grant bail, stated the bill.
These actions are punishable with imprisonment ranging from two to seven years. Even individuals who are not members (of outfits banned under the new legislation), but are found to be contributing money, soliciting funds, or sheltering members of such organisations can face up to two years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh, it stated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the new bill was designed to fill the legislative gap left by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which primarily deals with active terror activities but lacks scope in tackling ideological indoctrination and subversive movements.
(With Agency Inputs)
