The West Bengal government is preparing to bring two new Bills in the State Assembly to deal with organised crime, anti-social activities and violence during protests. The aim is to give police and officials stronger powers to maintain law and order and to recover losses caused by damage to public and private property during riots or unrest. The Bills are likely to be introduced on June 29 during the current Assembly session.
The main proposal is the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026. This Bill allows the state government to detain a person for up to one year if they are believed to be involved in anti-social activities or likely to take part in such acts. Officials say the purpose is to stop future crimes before they happen, not to punish someone for past actions. A person detained under this law will be able to challenge the decision before the government and an advisory board.
The Bill also gives authorities the power to extern people who are seen as repeat offenders or “goondas”. This means district magistrates, police commissioners and other authorised officers can ask such persons to leave a particular area or district and stop them from returning for up to one year. Before such an order is passed, the person must be given a chance to explain their side. They can also appeal to the state government.
At the same time, the government plans to amend the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act. The amendment will create a Special Claims Commission. This body will look into damage caused to public and private property during riots, arson or violent protests and decide how much compensation should be recovered from those responsible. The idea is similar to laws already in place in states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
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