Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that the Special Public Security Bill is not for taking action against those who criticise the government, but warned that those who act like urban Naxals will be arrested under it, reported the PTI.

The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, which seeks to prevent unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organisations with focus on urban Naxalism and "passive militancy", was passed by the state legislature during the recent monsoon session of the state legislature.

The bill, which has stringent provisions, including hefty fines and jail term up to seven years for those found guilty, has sparked criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties, who view it as a tool to suppress dissent under the pretext of national security, according to the PTI.