Maharashtra: Bill to curb naxal activities in urban areas sent to joint select committee

The bill was first introduced in the previous monsoon session by the government led Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The bill was not passed then. It was reintroduced on Wednesday.

“The spread of active frontal organisations of naxal groups gives constant and effective support in terms of logistics and safe refuge to their armed cadres. The seized literature shows safe houses and urban dens of the Maoist network in cities in Maharashtra,” said the statement of Objects and reasons of the bill.

Fadnavis cited similar acts brought into force by Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Congress MLA Nana Patole questioned the need to bring in a special act against naxal activities.

“We do not have an act targeting naxal activities. Such cases are either registered under IPC or UAPA. However, the UAPA is meant for terror activities and a possibility of relief for the accused. This is the very reason why these four states enacted a special act,” said Fadnavis.

Key provisions

• 3-yr jail term, Rs 3 lakh fine for being member of an ‘unlawful organisation’.
• 2-yr jail term, Rs 2 lakh fine even if not a member, but “contributes/ receives/ solicits any contribution or aid” or “harbours” a member.
• 3-yr jail term, Rs 3 lakh fine if a person “manages/ assists in management” such an organisation or “promotes/ assists in promoting” its meeting or any member.
• 7-yr jail term, Rs 5 lakh fine if a person commits/ abets/ attempts/ plans to commit “any unlawful activity” of such an organisation.