West Bengal's new Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 has been passed. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta called it a 'momentous' move to bring peace and curb the state's 'syndicate raj' and extortion culture.
Dasgupta termed the move as "momentous" while noting that the Bill was cleared following an extensive debate and with the cooperation of the Opposition. "These are very momentous decisions which have been taken, and they've been done with exhaustive debate and with the cooperation of the opposition. And I hope that they signal a new change in West Bengal's attempt to move to a more harmonious, peaceful, and purposeful society," the BJP leader and state minister said.
New Bill to Curb 'Syndicate Raj'
The Bill, aimed at curbing nefarious activities and providing severe punishment for anti-social elements, was passed with 176 votes in favour and 41 against it. Earlier, BJP MLA Rajesh Kumar also hailed the passage of the bill, calling them "progressive steps" to end the culture of extortion and "syndicate raj" in the State.
Speaking to ANI, he said, "This is a very progressive step... the people of Bengal have long awaited a move to curb the rule of hooligans. There was a prevalence of 'syndicate raj' and extortion; goons and miscreants would incite riots, damage property, and flee without facing any consequences. The Maintenance of Public Order Amendment Bill now defines such acts of mischief," Kumar said.
Scope of New Legislation
Detailing the scope of the new legislation, Kumar noted that it targets habitual offenders and those involved in serious crimes under various central acts. "Guidelines specify that this applies to individuals who have been charge-sheeted or convicted under the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the NDPS Act, or the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police are taking the right action," he said.
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen told reporters, "Our MLAs will speak. We have a chief whip and leader of our legislative party; they will address it."
The primary objective of the new legislation is to provide the State with more teeth to curb criminal activities and disrupt the planning of such crimes. With an objective to curb these activities, to severely punish the anti-social elements, and to prevent their conspirational designs, it is considered necessary to bring in some provisions in the form of a new Bill, the government said.
CM Adhikari Blames Opposition for Past Violence
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari accused both the Trinamool Congress and CPI-M of political violence. He said similar bills have been introduced in other states. "Before this is implemented, let me point out that the previous government took no action. The people of Bengal have rejected you through EVM. You have managed to form an opposition, but it is not a strong one. This bill has already been introduced in several states under different names; Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand have implemented it," he said.
"We witnessed how the CPIM introduced 'goonda culture' into Bengal's politics. In 2001, they deployed 'Harmads' specifically to prevent others from gaining power through democratic means," he added.
Key Provision: Preventive Detention
One of the Bill's most significant provisions authorises preventive detention of individuals for up to 12 months if the government believes such detention is necessary to prevent future anti-social activities. (ANI)
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