The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill: A Deep Dive into the 'Urban Naxalism' Law
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity (Fundamental Rights - Article 19, Public Order, Governor's assent), Internal Security (Maoism/Naxalism, Urban Naxalism, Front Organisations).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Fundamental Rights; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States.
GS Paper 3: Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Role of non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Essay: Topics on Freedom of Speech, Democracy vs. Security, Draconian Laws.
Key Highlights from the News
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024.
The government claims this law is to combat 'urban Naxalism', aiming to curb Maoist front organizations operating in urban areas.
The opposition criticized the bill as 'oppressive, vague, and prone to misuse'.
The bill empowers the government to declare any organization an "unlawful organization".
The definition of "illegal activity" is very broad, potentially including any action that poses a "threat to public peace" through speech or writing.
The bill grants full legal protection to actions taken by officials in "good faith".
The law has now been sent for the Governor's assent. Civil society organizations are preparing to challenge it in court.
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