Kolkata, West Bengal, June 29: The West Bengal Assembly on Monday passed the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, with 176 members voting in favour of the legislation and 41 opposing it.
Speaking during the debate on the Bill, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said similar laws are already in force in several states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. He stated that the legislation was necessary to maintain public order and address organised anti-social activities.
Adhikari accused previous governments of failing to take effective action against criminal and anti-social elements. He also referred to incidents of political violence in the state and said the government would implement the law without misuse.
The Chief Minister said the legislation aims to prevent damage to public and private property and ensure accountability. He stated that, apart from imprisonment, the government would have the authority to recover compensation and confiscate movable and immovable properties linked to unlawful activities.
The Bill seeks to strengthen measures to maintain public safety and control organised anti-social activities. It provides for action against individuals or groups whose activities create fear or insecurity among the public, disturb public order, threaten life and property, or obstruct lawful trade, business and professional activities.
Illegal mining, unauthorised sand extraction, and unlawful activities involving forest resources and wildlife have also been included within the definition of anti-social activities.
One of the key provisions of the legislation relates to preventive detention. The State Government or authorised officers may issue detention orders if they believe that a person’s activities pose a threat to public safety. District Magistrates and Police Commissioners have also been empowered to issue such orders under specified circumstances.
The Bill states that offences punishable under the Act and violations of lawful orders issued under it will be cognizable and non-bailable, notwithstanding provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
According to the legislation, detained individuals must be informed of the grounds of detention within the prescribed period and be given an opportunity to make representations. Authorities, however, may withhold information considered necessary in the interest of public safety.
The law also provides for action against persons who evade detention orders. Authorities may initiate court proceedings, issue proclamations, and take measures concerning the individual’s property.
Further, the legislation empowers authorities to search, seize and confiscate property, documents and materials connected with anti-social activities. The State Government or authorised officers may issue directions regarding the custody, release or disposal of seized property.
In the statement of objects and reasons accompanying the Bill, the government stated that existing legal provisions had proved inadequate to deal with organised anti-social activities and that a new legal framework was required to address emerging challenges.
The government said the legislation aims to strengthen measures against criminal activities and prevent organised unlawful acts.During his remarks, Adhikari also stated that the state government intends to implement the Uniform Civil Code and said that a committee headed by a retired judge has been constituted to examine the matter. He added that further details would be placed before the Assembly.