Overview

• On July 10 the Assembly approved the Special Public Security Bill 2024 by a voice vote.
• The bill grants pre-emptive detention powers for individuals linked to urban Naxalism or left-wing extremist groups and mandates advisory-board review before declaring any organization unlawful.
• Under the law, investigations must be led by officers of at least deputy superintendent or superintendent of police rank and overseen by an advisory board chaired by a serving or retired High Court judge.
• Penalties range from up to seven years in prison and ₹7 lakh fine for planning or abetting unlawful activities to three years and ₹3 lakh for group members and two years with ₹2 lakh for non-members.
• Opposition parties warn that its expansive definitions of “urban Naxal” could suppress dissent as the legislation awaits final approval in the Legislative Council.