The West Bengal state government is set to introduce a new law to curb antisocial activity. To this end, the Public Safety and Control of Antisocial Activities Bill is to be tabled in the state assembly. The government says that once the law takes effect, law and order in the state will be strengthened and the administration will be able to take swift action against organised crime. Since coming to power, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has spoken of a tough stance against antisocial activity, saying repeatedly that not only would criminals be arrested but property acquired through crime would also be seized.
“Anti-state or organised criminal activity will not be tolerated in any way,” he said.
The bill gives a broad definition of antisocial activity. It says any act that creates fear, panic or insecurity among ordinary people, or disturbs public order, will be treated as antisocial activity. Harm to people’s lives and property, obstruction of lawful business or livelihood, forcible occupation of property, major damage to public or private assets, and offences relating to illegal mining, forest resources or wildlife will also fall under the law.
The bill also clarifies who will be considered a “goonda.” A person can be brought under the law if they are regularly involved in antisocial activity — by themselves or as a member of an organised ring, gang or group — or if they encourage, finance or assist others to do so.
The law can also be applied against people involved in offences relating to arms, drugs, explosives or human trafficking. Those identified under the law as dangerous to society will also fall within its scope.
A specific procedure is set out for detention. To detain a person, the state government can decide on the basis of a report from a district superintendent of police or a higher-ranking officer. The bill also provides for detaining a person who has been convicted of an offence at least once in the past seven years, or named in charge sheets in at least three separate cases not connected to the same incident.
Under the bill, after detention the matter will be reviewed by an advisory board. Additional information may be sought if necessary, and the detainee may present their own statement if they wish. Offences under the law are described as non-bailable and directly arrestable. Violating the law carries a maximum of three years’ imprisonment and a fine. Helping to shelter or hide an accused person can carry up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine.
The government says organised crime in West Bengal will be controlled through a tough legal framework, as in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Proposed amendments to existing laws to protect public order are also to be tabled in the assembly.
A section of the opposition parties has already expressed fears that the law could be used for political purposes, although the government insists it will be applied not against innocent people but only to curb organised crime and antisocial activity.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report