CPM senior leader Prakash Reddy with Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad during the protest in Bandra, on Tuesday. Pic/ASHISH RAJE
The 'Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024' bill, which will become the first law to tackle Naxalism in the state, proposes to give several powers to the government and the police machinery in combating unlawful activities. All offences registered under this Act will be cognisable and non-bailable
The bill describes unlawful activities as indulging in or propagating acts of violence, vandalism or other acts generating fear and apprehension in the public
Indulging in or encouraging the use of firearms, explosives or other devices, encouraging or preaching disobedience to established law and its institutions is also an unlawful activity
However, members of civil society as well as opposition parties have slammed the government over the proposed legislation, claiming that the bill is an anti-democratic measure designed to suppress dissent
Addressing the concerns, Maharashtra CM, in an interaction with journalistic groups, clarified that the proposed law does not interfere with the personal freedom of citizens but is directed solely at organisations engaged in anti-national activities
The chief minister said to ensure public awareness and transparency regarding the proposed law, the bill was reviewed by a joint committee and a public hearing was conducted
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