Suvendu-Led WB Government to Introduce 'Anti Social Activities Bill' in Assembly
The measure would let authorities detain suspected goondas for up to 12 months without trial and bar them from specified areas.
- On Monday, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, with 176 votes in favor and 41 against, expanding detention and externment powers against alleged gang members.
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari championed the measure, claiming the electorate had "rejected the previous government" and its "culture of violence," while noting similar public safety laws exist in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- The bill authorizes authorities to detain individuals for up to 12 months without trial and extern "goondas"—defined as members of groups previously charge-sheeted for organized crime—from specified districts for one year.
- Opposition leaders from the Trinamool Congress, Left, and Congress criticized the legislation for lacking adequate judicial safeguards, expressing concerns about potential misuse of the bill's stringent executive powers.
- The government will introduce a Uniform Civil Code bill with a draft committee chaired by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, with cabinet review scheduled for July 2.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Bengal's New 'Anti-Social Activities' Law Is Alarming and Erodes Due Process
By denying detainees the fundamental right to legal counsel, the West Bengal Public Safety Bill, 2026, violates central statutes, and threatens the constitutional equilibrium between state authority and the natural rights governing human liberty.
Bill to curb violence passed in West Bengal Assembly; UCC to be presented before Cabinet on July 2
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Monday passed the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, with 176 votes in favour and 41 against, according to the proceedings. The legislation is aimed at strengthening measures to curb violence and anti-social behaviour in the state. Officials supporting the bill said it is intended to deter individuals involved in inciting violence and riots, and to ensure stricter legal action …
Bengal Assembly Passes Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill 2026, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Slams TMC
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The West Bengal assembly on Monday passed the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, with 176 members voting in its favour and 41 against it. India News | Bengal Assembly Passes Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill 2026, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Slams TMC.
Explained: What is the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill
On Monday, 29th June, the newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal introduced two major Bills in the Assembly, which promise to tighten the state’s approach towards organised crime and public disorder. While the government says the proposed laws are needed to deal with criminal gangs, extortion, illegal mining and violence, the Opposition has raised concerns that they could give sweeping powers to the administration a…
West Bengal's proposed anti-Goonda law explained: Who can be detained for a year without trial and why
One of the laws says if a DM, or a police officer not below the rank of DIG authorised is apprehensive that a 'goonda; is engaging in or will engage in anti-social activities, they may bar such people from entering a specified “area, district, or districts” for a period not exceeding one year.
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