West Bengal Assembly Passes Public Safety and Anti-Social Activities Bill

The West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, on June 29 with 176 votes in favor and 41 against. Suvendu Adhikari, the Chief Minister, defended the legislation as a necessary tool to end a historical culture of political violence and 'goonda-neeti' attributed to the CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress. The law targets habitual offenders and those involved in organized crime, including illegal mining, by broadening the definition of anti-social activities.

Key provisions allow authorities to order preventive detention for up to 12 months without trial and 'externment' powers to ban individuals from specific districts for one year. Offenses under the bill are cognizable and non-bailable. Additionally, the assembly passed amendments to the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act, 1972, establishing a Claims Commission to recover damages for destroyed public and private property through the seizure of offenders' movable and immovable assets.

Opposition members from the Trinamool Congress and ISF criticized the measures as unconstitutional and potential tools for stifling protest. During the session, Adhikari also announced the state's intention to implement a Uniform Civil Code, with a draft expected by July 2. He further revealed that legal action had been initiated against Awam Jan Unnayan Party MLA Humayun Kabir for allegedly making provocative statements intended to assist his son in a by-election.