Bill to curb 'urban Naxals' sent to joint panel

Amid opposition from various organisations and opposition parties, the state government has sent the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aimed at curbing the activities of "urban Naxals" to a joint select committee.

- Surendra P Gangan

NAGPUR:

The bill will be reintroduced after deliberation by lawmakers appointed on the committee from both houses of the state legislature and after organisations opposing the bill are heard.

The draft bill, a precursor to the proposed Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, was first introduced during the monsoon session but deferred amid apprehension that it could be repressive and used to silence dissent. It proposes the following: commitment or abetment of such unlawful activities will attract imprisonment of seven years and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh; members of such unlawful organisations will be imprisoned for three years and fined up to ₹3 lakh; non-members who contribute to such activities will be punished with two years jail and fined up to ₹2 lakh; and individuals who assist such unlawful organisations will be jailed for three years and fined up to ₹3 lakh.