The Opposition, activists, and members of civil society strongly opposed the Bill. A joint select committee was formed to review the Bill. Based on over 12,000 objections, the committee made a few changes and the revised Bill is likely to be tabled today.
The original version of the Bill gave the state the power to prosecute not just organisations but individuals. In the revised draft, the Bill says that the organisations will be persecuted under the act (once it’s passed).
The original version, despite claiming that it’s being brought to curb naxal activities, had broadly used the word ‘unlawful activities’. The new draft has changed it to ‘unlawful leftist or hardline activities.’ This amendment and many more parts of the Bill are still being opposed by the Opposition political parties, activists, and other organisations.
The civil society members claimed that the state already has the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCoCA). They claimed that the vague wording of the Bill would give immense power to the state and would convert Maharashtra into a police state crushing any voice of dissent.
The Monsoon Session will be held from June 30 to July 18.
First Published:Â Jun 30, 2025 9:17 AM IST
