The political controversy has deepened over the ‘West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026’ passed in the West Bengal Assembly. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Kunal Ghosh has raised questions on this new law of the government, calling it contrary to the rights given to citizens and accused in the Constitution. He said that the already existing laws were sufficient to curb crime and hooliganism, hence there was no need for a new law.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Kunal Ghosh said that the Indian Justice Code (BNS), the Indian Civil Defense Code (BNSS) and other existing legal provisions are sufficient to deal with the crime. His allegation was that the government used its majority in the Assembly to get the bill passed, whereas there were many legal flaws in it and there should have been a comprehensive discussion on it.
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Bill passed with 176 votes
This bill was passed in the West Bengal Assembly with 176 votes in support and 41 votes against. The state government says existing laws were not sufficient to effectively control organized crime and anti-social activities. Therefore, this new law has been brought to give more powers to the administration and ensure strict action against criminals. The government claims that this will strengthen the security of common citizens and effectively stop the network of criminals.
What are the provisions in the bill?
The purpose of this bill is to ensure the safety of people, maintain law and order and take strict action against organized anti-social activities. According to the bill, if the activities of any person or group create an atmosphere of fear, terror or insecurity among the people, endanger the life and property of people, disturb public order or hinder anyone’s legitimate business, trade or professional functioning, then the administration will be able to take action against that person. Apart from this, illegal mining, illegal sand mining and illegal activities related to forests and wildlife have also been kept in the category of anti-social activities.
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This bill clearly states that regardless of what is written in the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), 2023, all crimes falling under the purview of this law will be considered cognizable and non-bailable. This means that the police will be able to arrest anyone without a warrant and it will not be easy to get bail in such cases.
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