During the Monsoon Assembly Session, CM Devendra Fadnavis tabled the Special Public Security Bill to address urban Naxalism. Based on over 12,500 public suggestions, the bill includes an Advisory Board for oversight. Revised to protect lawful groups, the bill faces criticism from opposition over its interpretation of "urban Naxal."
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Image/File Pic
During the ongoing Maharashtra Monsoon Assembly Session, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday tabled the Special Public Security Bill. The bill aimed at preventing left-wing extremism, with a focus on urban Naxalism.
As reported by news agency PTI, CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “More than 12,500 suggestions received from the public have been taken into consideration while finalising the bill.”
The Special Public Security Bill, which was tabled on Thursday, includes provisions for an 'Advisory Board,' which will be headed by the Chief Justice of the high court or a retired chief justice.
The members of the board will include district magistrates or high court government pleaders, while the investigating officer will be of the rank of a superintendent of police instead of a police sub-inspector.
The Joint Committee, which convened five times, reviewed the Special Public Security Bill more than 12,500 times as per the suggestions submitted by citizens, activists, and organisations across the state.
Based on the feedback by the public and activists, the committee then further incorporated several safeguards into the bill. One of the key provisions mandates that any proposal to declare an organisation as unlawful must be approved by an Advisory Board.
The bill was earlier reintroduced in the last winter session of the assembly. After being introduced earlier, it was sent to the joint select committee.
The Special Public Security Bill was originally introduced to curb urban Naxalism and safeguard public order. However, the bill, since its introduction, has been undergoing significant revisions aimed at widespread public concerns.
On July 9, the Maharashtra Minister of Revenue Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasised that the bill’s scope has now been narrowed to specifically target unlawful activities related to left-wing extremism or actions ideologically aligned with it. This ensures that political and social organisations are not wrongfully targeted under the law.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday reviewed the draft of the bill before tabling it in the assembly, the officials said, as reported by news agency PTI.
However, during the presentation of the Special Public Security Bill by the CM, the opposition parties raised objections to some aspects of the bill, including what they claim is an extensive interpretation of the term "urban Naxal."
(With inputs from PTI)
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