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Maharashtra Sees Statewide Protests Against Special Public Security Bill

The bill still awaits the governor’s assent.

Overview

  • Opposition parties in the Maha Vikas Aghadi joined Left groups and civil society for coordinated demonstrations across multiple districts on September 10.
  • Large gatherings were held at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park and in Pune, where NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule led a protest and demanded the legislation be withdrawn.
  • Organisers said peaceful assemblies concluded with memoranda submitted to local authorities, and leaders warned of escalated action during the winter session if the bill stands.
  • The measure, passed by both houses in July, empowers the state to declare organisations unlawful, attach assets, and impose two- to seven-year sentences for cognisable, non-bailable offences subject to judicial review.
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the proposal as a tool against urban left-wing extremism and said it would not curb the right to protest, with a second protest phase planned for October 2.