West Bengal Assembly Passes Public Safety Bill to Crack Down on Organised Crime and Anti-Social Activities

In a significant move aimed at curbing organised crime, syndicate operations, and other anti-social activities, the West Bengal Assembly on Monday passed the ‘The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026.’ The state government has claimed that the new legislation will further strengthen law and order and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of citizens. However, several provisions of the Bill have sparked debate among the opposition and civil rights activists.

According to the legislation, if a District Magistrate (DM), Commissioner of Police (CP), or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) believes that a person is involved in, or is likely to engage in, anti-social activities, stringent administrative action may be initiated against that individual.

Under the new law, a person may be externed from a specified area or district for up to one year, during which they will not be permitted to enter the designated jurisdiction. In addition, the accused may be required to report regularly before the police or other designated authorities.

One of the most debated provisions of the Bill relates to preventive detention. In the interest of public safety, a suspect may be detained for up to 12 months without trial. To ensure oversight and procedural transparency, the legislation also provides for the constitution of an Advisory Board.

The law further classifies certain offences as cognisable and non-bailable, empowering the police to conduct searches, seize property, and make arrests without a warrant. It also makes providing shelter or assistance to an accused person a punishable offence.

The Bill clearly defines both “anti-social activities” and “goonda.” Anti-social activities include creating fear among the public, disrupting public safety or business activities, illegal land occupation, damaging public or private property, and causing loss to the state exchequer through the illegal extraction or smuggling of minerals, sand, or forest resources.

A “goonda” has been defined as a person who, as a leader or member of a gang or syndicate, engages in anti-social activities, finances or supports such activities, is accused under Sections 111 or 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), or is involved in offences related to illegal arms, narcotics, or human trafficking.

The state government has maintained that the legislation is essential for preserving peace, public order, and citizens’ safety. Critics, however, argue that some provisions could be susceptible to misuse and may adversely affect civil liberties. The government has clarified that the law is intended primarily to curb rioters, syndicate operators, and organised criminal elements.