Syllabus: GS3/ Security
In News
- The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024—commonly referred to as the ‘Urban Maoism’ Bill—was passed by the Maharashtra Assembly recently.
Background and Rationale
- The Bill was introduced in response to the perceived inadequacy of existing laws (like the UAPA) to deal with the evolving tactics of Maoist organizations, which increasingly use urban fronts—NGOs, intellectual circles, students, and media—to support rural armed struggle and undermine state institutions.
- Maharashtra joins states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand in enacting such special public security laws.
Key Features
- Objective: The Bill aims to counter urban Naxalism by criminalizing support—whether written, spoken, symbolic, or violent—for banned organizations and their activities in urban areas.
- Definition of Unlawful Activity: Includes acts that disturb public order, encourage disobedience to law, or aid extremist organizations. This covers intellectual, financial, or logistical support, including media campaigns and legal defence.
- Empowerment of State: The government can declare organizations as “unlawful” and penalize individuals for membership, fundraising, aiding, or committing unlawful acts.
- Penalties: Offences are cognizable and non-bailable, with punishments ranging from 2 to 7 years’ imprisonment and fines between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh.
- Property Forfeiture: The state can forfeit properties linked to unlawful organizations even before conviction, with a 15-day notice period; affected parties may challenge forfeiture in the High Court within 30 days.
- Safeguards: Only senior police officers can lead investigations, and an Advisory Board of three High Court-qualified persons must confirm the unlawful status of organizations.
Source: TH
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