The West Bengal Legislative Assembly has approved two significant legislative measures aimed at enhancing public safety and maintaining order. On June 29, the assembly passed the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, which grants the State the authority to detain individuals engaged in ‘anti-social activities’ for up to one year without a trial. This provision is intended to prevent activities deemed harmful to public order.
The legislation allows the State government to exercise preventive detention when necessary to maintain public safety. To ensure checks and balances, an advisory board will be established to review each detention case within three weeks. Notably, as reported by The Hindu, Section 10 (4) of the Bill restricts individuals under preventive detention from being represented by legal counsel before the advisory board. However, exceptions can be made in particular circumstances, with reasons documented in writing.
The Bill broadens the scope of ‘anti-social activities,’ encompassing organized extortion, illegal dispossession of property, business obstruction, unlawful mining, sand extraction, and other activities that cause substantial public financial losses. Hindustan Times further elaborates that such activities include actions that induce public fear, pose significant dangers to life or property, disturb public order, obstruct trade, or result in considerable damage to public and private assets.
Moreover, the Bill grants authority to District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and police officers with the rank of Deputy Inspector General or higher, as authorized by the State government, to restrict habitual offenders or ‘goondas’ from entering specified areas or districts for up to one year.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who recently assumed office, emphasized the necessity of the Bill to counter illegal activities perpetuated by certain societal factions, particularly under the previous TMC administration.
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Additionally, the assembly passed the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This legislation enables the recovery of compensation from individuals responsible for damaging public or private property during riots, unlawful gatherings, and violent protests. It provides for the confiscation and auction of an offender’s property to cover the cost of damages.
A statutory claims commission will be instituted under this law to assess compensation amounts. This commission holds not only the direct perpetrators accountable but also organizers, financiers, instigators, and logistic supporters who contribute to the violence.
