Maharashtra security bill passed: Up to 7 yrs in jail, Rs 5L fine for violations

Imprisonment of up to seven years a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh and classification of offences registered under it as cognisable and nonbailable are key features of a special bill passed by the Maharashtra legislature to curb activities of Leftwing extremist organisations reported news agency PTIThe Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024 passed in the council on Friday and in the assembly on Thursday has introduced strict measures against individuals and organisations involved in activities declared as unlawful reported PTIIt will come into force on receiving the Governors assentThe most serious offences such as committing abetting or planning unlawful activities on behalf of such organisations are punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakhSince all offences under the law are cognisable and nonbailable the police can arrest individuals without a warrant and courts are not obliged to grant bail the bill statesThese actions are punishable with imprisonment ranging from two to seven years Even individuals who are not members of outfits banned under the new legislation but are found to be contributing money soliciting funds or sheltering members of such organisations can face up to two years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh it stated reported PTIThe bill allows the government to designate any organisation as unlawful if it is found to disrupt public order incite violence promote disobedience to law or interfere with communication systemsOnce an organisation is declared unlawful the state is empowered to take possession of its properties seize its assets and prohibit access to its funds it saidOffences under the bill include being a member of an unlawful organisation attending or promoting its meetings helping to manage its affairs or participating in any unlawful activities linked to the organisation reported PTIIt authorises the government to take strict action against the properties and financial resources of unlawful organisations This includes taking over buildings used by these groups evicting those occupying such spaces confiscating movable property found at those locations and freezing or forfeiting organisational fundsBefore an organisation is officially declared unlawful the governments decision must be reviewed and approved by an advisory board constituted under the bill The declaration comes into effect only after the board gives its clearanceThe law also limits the role of courts in challenging the governments actions under this legislation Judicial review is barred except in matters related to the forfeiture of funds which may only be contested before the High Court the bill said reported PTIDespite criticism the BJPled Mahayuti government has defended the need for such a stringent bill arguing it will enable more effective action against threats to public order specific to the stateWith inputs from PTI