Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 15: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule has strongly opposed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, calling it a direct assault on fundamental rights. She accused the state government of attempting to suppress dissent under the guise of tackling the so-called ‘Urban Naxal’ menace.

Sule argued that the proposed law would strip citizens of their right to question or criticize the government. “In a true democracy, opposing voices are not just allowed but respected. The role of the Opposition is to hold those in power accountable, ensuring governance remains transparent and fair,” she said.

The MP has urged the government to reconsider the draft bill to ensure it does not infringe upon constitutional rights.

Her criticism follows an appeal by the Maharashtra Legislative Secretariat, published in national newspapers, inviting public suggestions and objections to the bill until April 1. The bill was referred to a committee led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule for further examination during the state assembly’s Winter Session.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sule warned that the bill could lead to authoritarian rule. She stated, “The definition of ‘illegal acts’ in the bill is vague and grants sweeping powers to government agencies. This essentially legalizes a ‘Police Raj,’ which could be misused against individuals, institutions, or organizations engaging in lawful democratic opposition.”

She further cautioned that “criticizing government policies, peacefully protesting, or organizing marches could all be categorized as illegal acts. This bill disregards ideological diversity and directly violates citizens’ constitutional rights.”

Sule also highlighted concerns over judicial independence. “The bill enables the government to interfere in certain judicial processes, endangering the autonomy of the judiciary. Some provisions violate fundamental rights such as Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Association, and the Right to a Fair Trial.”

Drawing historical parallels, she compared the bill to the colonial-era Rowlatt Act, which was used by the British to suppress dissent in India. “This bill contradicts the essence of ‘We, the People of India’ and denies the core values of our Constitution. We strongly condemn it and urge the government to withdraw or amend the draft to safeguard democratic rights.”

The Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, was introduced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state assembly on December 18, 2023. The government argues that it is necessary to curb ‘Urban Naxal’ activities and prevent unlawful actions by individuals and organizations.

Fadnavis has assured that the bill is not designed to suppress genuine dissent but to counter extremist threats. The proposed law includes provisions for imprisonment, financial penalties for unlawful organizations, and government authority to seize assets linked to such groups.

The bill is modeled after similar public security laws enacted in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, which are aimed at tackling Naxalite-linked organizations. However, critics fear its broad definitions and unchecked powers could be misused to stifle legitimate political opposition.