Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 30 (ANI): The West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Monday passed significant bills including the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 and The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026 with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also laying a roadmap for implementation of Uniform Civil Code.
West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, which has some strong provisions, was cleared with 176 votes in favour and 41 against it.
In his remarks during the debate, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a strong attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC) and CPI(M).
He said new law is a necessary response to the “goonda-neeti” (rule of thugs) and “jungle raj”.
“The people of Bengal have rejected the previous culture of violence through the EVM. This Bill has already been implemented in various forms in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka. We witnessed how the CPIM introduced ‘goonda culture’ through ‘Harmads’ in 2001 to stifle democracy. Since 2019, we saw the previous government using specific communities as vote banks while ignoring rampant vandalism of public property,” the Chief Minister said.
Emphasising a “zero-tolerance” policy, Adhikari declared that the law would go beyond mere imprisonment. “It is not merely about sending people to jail; we will also confiscate their movable and immovable assets to recover compensation for damages to public and private property. It is the government’s responsibility to enforce this law strictly,” he asserted.
The Bill grants the administration unprecedented powers. District Magistrates and Police Commissioners can now issue detention orders if they believe a person poses a threat to public safety. Every offence under this Act is now cognizable and non-bailable.
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh alleged that the legislation stands in total contradiction to constitutional rights.
“Everyone desires the suppression of goondaism… The police already possess all the necessary rules and legal sections. The bill introduced by the Chief Minister stands in total contradiction to constitutional rights,” Ghosh said.
He further alleged that the legislation was passed because of the government’s numerical strength despite “significant loopholes.”
ISF MLA Pirzada Mohammad Nawsad Siddiqui also questioned the need for a fresh law when existing criminal laws were already in place.
“Regarding issues like riots or obstruction, the BNS is already in place; so, what is the need for a new bill?… people fear their right to protest will be curtailed,” he said.
TMC MLA Prasun Banerjee echoed these concerns, citing Supreme Court verdicts.
“This Bill contains numerous flaws… the Bill allows an authority to arrest someone without stating a reason, whereas recent Supreme Court judgments clearly state that the grounds must be properly explained… while the Bill’s objective is commendable, we must ensure that innocent individuals are not ensnared,” he warned.
MLA Sabina Yeasmin alleged the Bill’s primary intent is to “prevent opposition parties from functioning.”
Rebel TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar supported the bill.
“It is very essential to bring back the rule of law in West Bengal; that is why I fully support the Bill.”
Meanwhile, BJP leaders welcomed the legislation, saying it would help curb hooliganism and improve the investment climate in the state.
BJP MLA Tarunjyoti Tewari termed it “the need of the hour,” while BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh said the law would make Bengal a “hub for business” by improving law and order.
BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari said the legislation would curb the influence of mafia elements and boost the confidence of law-abiding citizens.
West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta described the Bill as a “momentous” step.
“These are very momentous decisions… I hope that they signal a new change in West Bengal’s attempt to move to a more harmonious, peaceful and purposeful society,” he said.
West Bengal Minister Moumita Biswas Misra also defended the legislation, saying strict legal measures were necessary to tackle hooliganism.
“This was bound to happen… Therefore, the policy of zero tolerance towards hooliganism, backed by the force of law, was essential. Now, people will find relief,” she said.
State Minister Bishal Lama said the legislation was intended to restore law and order.
“This legislation aims to restore law and order in the state and ensure that thugs think many times before committing any wrongdoing in the future,” he said.
Suvendu Adhikari also announced that the state is moving toward implementing Uniform Civil Code (UCC), mirroring frameworks in Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
“A committee has been constituted under the leadership of a retired judge. The specific details of the UCC will be shared in the Assembly soon,” Adhikari noted.
He said a draft legislation will be placed before the cabinet on July 2.
The assembly also passed bills OBC reservation amendment bills.(ANI)
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