The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal is set to introduce two stringent bills that expand the definition of “anti-social activity” and provide for preventive detention for up to 12 months without trial.
The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Bill, 2026 proposes preventive detention for up to 12 months without trial, repeated detentions if required.
The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026 provides for confiscation of an offender’s property for auction to compensate for losses.
The bills are aimed at curbing organised crime, extortion, public disorder, illegal mining and smuggling of natural resources in West Bengal.
The opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) has criticised the move, saying the proposed legislation provides neither judicial safeguards nor legal protection.
