Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill needed to tackle Naxal or Maoist organisations operating in state: Fadnavis

“The legislation is only to check Naxalism or Maoism. The Centre has directed all Naxal-affected states to bring this legislation,” he added.

The Bill, which seeks “to provide for effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organizations or similar organizations and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto”, was passed by the Assembly on Thursday via a voice vote amid Opposition concerns.

On the apprehension that the legislation could be misused politically, Fadnavis said, “There are adequate provisions in this legislation which ensure that it will not be abused. Unlike other Acts where action is taken and then it is followed by a judicial process, in this legislation, it is mandatory to seek consent from a board that constitutes a high court judge, a district court judge, and a public prosecutor. Only after their permission will action against an organisation proceed. Even after taking action, there is a provision to challenge the decision within 30 days.”

The chief minister also emphasised that the legislation was not directed against any agitation or organisation that would raise issues or criticism against the government or its policies within the democratic framework.

Saying that the Centre and the state were determined to end Naxalism by next year, Fadnavis said, “This is achievable. In Maharashtra, Naxalism was seen in four districts. Today, it is confined to just two talukas. And it will be eliminated completely.”

Reiterating the purpose of the legislation, he said, “These frontal organisations are operating with a well-planned design which is against the Indian Constitution and Parliament. They are revolting using armed weapons to dislodge the democratic process, and that is dangerous. This cannot be allowed or tolerated. Anybody working against Indian democracy or the Constitution will have to be firmly dealt with.”

Explaining why such a stringent legislation was necessary when laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act are already there, Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, said, “In UAPA, there has to be a terror element. Whereas under MCOCA, you can act against an individual, not organisations.”

“In the Assembly, there were concerns raised by some members yesterday. I have responded to each and every issue raised by Opposition members. Therefore, the legislation was adopted with majority support in the House,” Fadnavis said, adding that the stated objective of the legislation has Opposition approval too.

While tabling the Bill, Fadnavis had said that more than 12,500 suggestions received from the public were taken into consideration while preparing its final draft.

The Bill is yet to be tabled in the Legislative Council.