The Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government in West Bengal is set to introduce two bills next week that broaden the definition of 'anti-social activity' and include provisions for preventive detention for up to 12 months without trial.
The bills, which mirror similar laws in other BJP-ruled states, also allow for the auction of an offender's property to recover losses.
The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Bill, 2026, seeks to allow preventive detention for as long as 12 months without trial, while the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposes the seizure of an offender's property.
The BJP government has also announced plans to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, which seeks to establish a common set of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession for all citizens.
The move has been met with opposition from the Trinamool Congress, with TMC MP Mahua Moitra accusing the BJP of trying to 'uproot' the Opposition through intimidation and divisive policies.
The UCC has been a contentious issue in India, with many arguing that it is against secularism and that it should be introduced only if Muslims accept it.
