Maharashtra Proposes Stringent Security Act to Curb Unlawful Organizations

The Maharashtra government introduced the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, aimed at curbing unlawful activities and organizations. The proposed bill allows the state to label groups as illegal and imposes strict penalties for involvement. It awaits approval following the assembly’s recent session.

The Maharashtra government has set forth the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, targeting the suppression of unlawful organizations. State Inspector General of Anti-Naxal Operations, Sandip Patil, emphasized the bill's objective in a recent assembly session, describing it as a measure to rein in illegal activities.

The act provides the government with the authority to declare any group illegal through an official gazette notification. The draft specifies that an 'organization' can refer to any group named or unnamed, with or without a governing constitution. 'Unlawful activities' are defined as actions that pose threats to public order and safety, interfere with law enforcement, or propagate fear through violence and vandalism.

The bill stipulates that participation in meetings or activities of an unlawful organization, or financial contributions to such entities, could result in imprisonment up to three years and fines up to ₹3 lakh. All offenses under this law are non-bailable and cognizable, requiring investigation by police officers of sub-inspector rank or higher. Approval of the bill remains pending as the Maharashtra Assembly’s monsoon session concluded without its passage.