Maharashtra Passes Public Security Bill to Counter Urban Naxalism: CM Fadnavis Defends Legislation Amid Mixed Reactions
Mumbai | July 11, 2025 — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday defended the passage of the Maharashtra Public Security Bill, 2025, asserting that the legislation is a necessary step to combat the growing threat of Urban Naxalism and Maoist-linked activities in the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said the bill provides Maharashtra with the much-needed legal framework to act against 64 Maoist-affiliated organisations operating in the state. He described the legislation as “a targeted tool” to dismantle extremist ideology being spread under the guise of intellectual and civil society activism.
“The Public Security Bill has been passed to counter Urban Maoism. A deliberate strategy was being employed to promote Naxal ideology. This law will allow us to act directly against organisations, which current central laws don't fully empower us to do,” Fadnavis said.
Filling the Legal Gap Between UAPA and MCOCA
CM Fadnavis elaborated that while existing laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) have specific scopes—targeting terrorism and criminal individuals respectively—this new law plugs a critical gap by focusing specifically on organisational structures promoting extremist ideologies.
“UAPA applies only when a terror element is clearly established, and MCOCA is individual-focused. This bill fills a legal void, allowing us to go after the entire network that fuels Naxalism,” he added.
Mixed Political Reactions: Support with Caution
The bill, which was passed in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday, has received mixed reactions from political parties, even within the opposition.
Rohit Pawar, MLA from the NCP (Sharad Pawar group), supported the bill’s intent but expressed concerns over possible misuse.
“We are against Maoism and Naxalism. Any bill that helps in fighting these threats, we support. But the definitions of ‘group’ and ‘individual’ in the bill are vague. There must be clarity and safeguards to prevent wrongful targeting,” Pawar said.
He urged the Chief Minister to include legal safeguards to protect innocent individuals from harassment.
Strong Opposition from Some Quarters
However, not all lawmakers were convinced. Jitendra Awhad, a senior leader from the NCP (SCP), vehemently opposed the bill, calling it anti-democratic and an attempt to stifle dissent.
“This is becoming a policing state. The government is using laws to silence dissenting voices. In states like West Bengal and Kerala, banned organisations are clearly linked to violence. But here, this law could be used to target those who merely oppose the government,” said Awhad.
What the Maharashtra Public Security Bill 2025 Says
The Maharashtra Public Security Bill grants the state government sweeping powers, including:
- Authority to ban organisations that are deemed unlawful or linked to Maoist/Naxal activities
- Punishments ranging from 2 to 7 years in prison for being part of or aiding such organisations
- Offences under the Act are cognisable and non-bailable
- Power to seize and forfeit funds, properties, or financial instruments linked to such groups
According to government sources, the law is modeled on similar provisions in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Kerala, where Left-wing extremist groups are already outlawed under state-specific laws.
Public and Legal Community Reactions Awaited
Legal experts and civil rights organisations are expected to scrutinize the bill in the coming days, especially clauses around freedom of speech, due process, and definition of unlawful activity.
Human rights groups have previously warned that such laws must be carefully worded and implemented with judicial oversight to prevent misuse and protect democratic freedoms.
Final Thoughts
The Maharashtra Public Security Bill, 2025, has opened a new chapter in the state’s strategy to tackle extremism and internal security threats. While the state government claims it’s a necessary legal move, concerns around freedom of expression, vague definitions, and possible misuse remain.
As Maharashtra steps into uncharted legislative territory, how the bill will be implemented on the ground will determine its true legacy—whether it becomes a robust shield against insurgency or a tool misused against dissent.
Stay tuned to TheTrendingPeople.com for more updates, expert reactions, and in-depth analysis on this developing story.