Maharashtra Proposes New Law to Combat Naxal Activities

The Maharashtra government has introduced the 'Maharashtra Special Public Security Act 2024' to curb the unlawful activities of Naxal organisations. The bill aims to prevent violence, vandalism, and other disruptive actions in both rural and urban areas. Stringent punishment, including jail terms and fines, is proposed for association with unlawful organisations.

The Maharashtra government on Thursday introduced a bill in the assembly aimed at preventing unlawful activities by individuals and organisations, with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasizing the need to curb the rising presence of Naxal outfits in both rural and urban areas through effective legal measures.

Named 'Maharashtra Special Public Security Act 2024,' the bill aims to combat the menace of Naxalism and its sympathisers, especially in urban regions.

Similar legislation has been enacted in states like Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha for the effective prevention of unlawful activities.

The bill describes unlawful activities as indulging in or promoting violence, vandalism, or other acts generating public fear. Using or encouraging the use of firearms, explosives, or other devices, and promoting disobedience to established laws and institutions are also classified as unlawful activities. An unlawful organisation is defined as one that engages in, assists, or indirectly supports any such activities.

Under the proposed law, associating with an unlawful organisation can result in a jail term ranging from three to seven years and fines between Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh.

An advisory board will determine whether there is enough cause to declare an organisation unlawful and will submit a report to the government within three months.

All offences under this act will be cognisable and non-bailable, and investigations will be conducted by a police officer not below the rank of a sub-inspector. Cases must be registered with the written permission of an officer not below the rank of deputy inspector general of police, who will also specify the investigating officer.

No court will take cognisance of any offence except on the report of an officer not below the rank of additional DGP.

Deputy CM Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, stated that the menace of Naxalism is spreading from remote rural areas to urban regions through Naxal-affiliated front organisations.

"The spread of active frontal organisations of Naxal groups provides constant and effective logistical support and safe havens for its armed cadre. Seized Naxal literature indicates the existence of safe houses and urban refuges in Maharashtra cities," he noted.

Fadnavis stressed the need to control the unlawful activities of these frontal organisations through effective legal means.

(With inputs from agencies.)