Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024

• 14 Jul 2025

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra Assembly passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill 2024, through a voice vote which seeks to curb the unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) organisations and similar groups.  

• The Bill will now be introduced in the Legislative Council. Upon approval, it will be sent to the Governor for assent, becoming law thereafter.

Note: Once enacted, Maharashtra will become the fifth state after Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha to pass a public security law targeting LWE. 

Key Points 

• Purpose Behind the Legislation: 
  • The state government introduced the Bill to counter the urban spread of Naxalism. 
    • Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli and Gondia districts remain among the worst-affected regions by Left Wing Extremism. 
  • The Statement of Objects and Reasons states that Naxalism has moved beyond remote regions and now operates through frontal organisations in urban areas. 
    • These organisations allegedly offer logistics and shelter to armed cadres, while existing laws are deemed inadequate. 
• Key Provisions of the MSPS Bill: 
  • The Bill empowers the state to declare any organisation as unlawful. 
  • It outlines four punishable offences: 
    • Membership of an unlawful organisation 
    • when not a member, for raising funds for an unlawful organisation 
    • Managing or assisting in the management of such a group 
    • Committing unlawful activities 
  • These offences carry imprisonment of 2-7 years, along with fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The offence relating to committing an unlawful activity carries the toughest punishment: imprisonment of 7 years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. 
  • Under the proposed law offences are cognizable and non-bailable. 
• Definition of ‘Unlawful Activity’: 
  • Unlawful Activities include actions such as speech, writing, or signs that disturb public order, obstruct law enforcement or government functioning, or involve the use of criminal force or intimidation against public servants. 
  • They also cover acts of violence, vandalism, spreading fear, promoting disobedience to law, and fundraising to support such disruptive activities. 
• Key Amendments Suggested by Joint Select Committee: 
  • Amendment to the Long Title and Preamble 
    • The original preamble stated: "A Bill to provide far more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and organisations..." 
    • The Committee recommended replacing "individuals and organisations" with "Left Wing Extremist organisations or similar organisations". 
    • This change was made to clearly reflect the Bill's objective of targeting Urban Naxalism. 
  • Amendment to Clause 5(2): Composition of Advisory Board 
    • Initially, the clause proposed that the Advisory Board consist of 3 High Court judges or those qualified to be judges, with one designated as Chairperson. 
    • The Committee revised it to: 
      • A Chairperson who is or has been a High Court judge, 
      • One retired judge, and 
      • One government pleader of the High Court, all appointed by the state government. 
    • This change aimed to broaden representation and legal expertise within the Board. 
  • Amendment to Clause 15(2): Authority for Investigation 
    • Originally, the Bill allowed police officers not below the rank of Sub-Inspector to investigate offences. 
    • The Committee recommended assigning investigations to officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or above. 
    • This was intended to ensure greater accountability and experience in handling sensitive cases.