• UGI USER
  • Jul 18, 2024
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MAHARASHTRA’S NEW LAW: CURBING URBAN NAXALISM CONTROVERSY

Why in the news?

  • The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Act, 2024, aims to curb Naxalism in urban areas.
  • The Bill allows the State to declare any organisation as “unlawful,” with offences categorised as cognizable and non-bailable.
  • Maharashtra follows other Naxal-affected states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha in implementing similar laws.

Key Provisions of Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024:

Purpose and Scope:

  • Combats Naxalism, especially in urban areas through Naxal-affiliated organisations.
  • Declares organisations as “unlawful” with an advisory board’s review.
 source:thehindu 

Offences and Punishments:

  • Members: Up to 3 years imprisonment, Rs 3 lakh fine.
  • Non-members aiding: Up to 2 years imprisonment, Rs 2 lakh fine.
  • Management or promotion: Up to 3 years imprisonment, Rs 3 lakh fine.
  • Committing, abetting, or planning: Up to 7 years imprisonment, Rs 5 lakh fine.
  • All offences are cognizable and non-bailable.

Seizure and Forfeiture:

  • Authorities can seize and forfeit assets of unlawful organisations.
  • Legal review by advisory board and High Court.
What is Urban Naxalism?

  • Presence and activities of CPI (Maoist) in urban areas.
  • Maoist Strategy Document: Urban movement provides cadres, leadership, supplies, technology, and information for the people’s war.

Objectives:

  • Mobilising and organising masses
  • Building United Front
  • Military tasks

Activities:

  • Maintaining safe houses
  • Providing logistics support
  • Recruiting youth, students, and workers.

About Cognizable and Non-Bailable Offences:

  • Cognizable Offences: Serious crimes; police can arrest without a warrant and start an investigation.
  • Non-Bailable Offences: Severe charges; bail is granted only at the court’s discretion.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/maharashtra-bill-to-curb-urban-naxalism/#:~:text=The%20bill%20empowers%20the%20government,lakh%20to%20Rs%205%20lakh.