Synopsis
Supriya Sule condemns the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024 for infringing on fundamental rights and calls for a review of the legislation that could threaten dissent and judicial independence.Key Takeaways
- Supriya Sule criticizes the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act.
- The Bill is perceived to infringe on citizens' rights.
- It proposes extensive powers to government agencies.
- The legislation could suppress constructive dissent.
- Historical parallels drawn with the Rowlatt Act.
Mumbai, March 15 (NationPress) NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule criticized the state government on Saturday, claiming that the proposed legislation to combat the ‘Urban Naxal’ threat, known as the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, infringes upon the fundamental rights of citizens.
Sule asserted that this Bill would strip common people of their right to voice dissent against the government.
In a genuinely robust democracy, it is essential to respect dissenting opinions, as the essence of democracy lies in valuing Opposition perspectives, which hold those in power accountable and uphold public sentiment, Sule emphasized.
She has called upon the government to reassess the draft of this Bill and ensure that constitutional principles are upheld.
Sule's critique of the government came after the Maharashtra Legislative Secretariat, via an advertisement in national publications, encouraged citizens and non-governmental organizations to submit their feedback and objections by April 1 regarding the Bill.
This initiative follows a decision by the state Assembly during the Winter Session to refer the Bill to a committee led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule for further examination.
In her post on X concerning the Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024, Sule remarked, “The proposed 'Prevention of certain unlawful activities by individuals and organizations and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto' defines 'illegal acts' in a manner that appears to grant government agencies excessive authority.
“This effectively provides the government with a license to impose a Police Raj, which could be exploited against individuals, institutions, or organizations that express constructive Opposition in a democratic framework.
“This Bill jeopardizes the very essence of 'We, the People of India.' By endowing the administration with unchecked powers, there is a danger that individuals may face harassment born from sheer vindictiveness.
“Critiquing government policies and decisions, engaging in peaceful protests, or organizing marches could all be categorized as illegal acts under this Bill. This legislation dismisses the principles of ideological diversity and directly violates citizens' constitutional rights.
“Moreover, the Bill empowers the government to meddle in certain judicial processes, posing a direct threat to judicial independence. Some provisions encroach upon fundamental constitutional rights such as Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Association, and the Right to Fair Trial.
“Historically, the British attempted to impose a similar law (the Rowlatt Act) to stifle opposition during colonial times. This Bill is a direct contravention of the core tenets of the Indian Constitution, and we vehemently condemn it. We implore the government to revisit the draft of this Bill and safeguard constitutional values,” stated Sule.
The Bill, introduced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state Assembly on December 18 of last year, aims to address the ‘Urban Naxal’ issue and enhance the prevention of certain unlawful activities by individuals and organizations.
He asserted that the Bill is not intended to suppress legitimate dissent but to eliminate the strongholds of ‘Urban Naxals’.
The Bill proposes penalties and imprisonment for unlawful organizations, along with the authority to seize properties and forfeit funds.
Crafted along the lines of the Public Security Act enacted by Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, it seeks to effectively monitor unlawful activities associated with Naxal-affiliated or similar organizations.
