A new Bill aimed at curbing anti-social activities in West Bengal will be tabled in the state’s Assembly on June 29. The Bill, named “The West Bengal Public Safety & Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026,” has already been notified in the gazette and is set for presentation next week. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had disclosed plans for this legislation earlier during a budget session discussion.
The proposed Bill, featured in a special edition of the Calcutta Gazette, focuses on ensuring public safety, upholding law and order, and imposing stringent control over organized anti-social behaviors. It stands out from existing laws against such activities by providing for preventive detention of individuals deemed a threat to public safety for up to a year. Additionally, it empowers the state government to seize the assets of those involved in such offenses under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
To implement preventive detention, an advisory board will be constituted to assess the necessity of detaining a particular individual. This board, led by a current or former Calcutta High Court judge, will evaluate the reasonableness of the detention, allowing the detainee to appoint a representative for defense. The board will comprise two other members eligible to serve as High Court judges.
Furthermore, the proposed law will authorize the police to expel or restrict an individual from an area if there are concerns about potential disturbances caused by that person. It will also offer protection to law enforcement and government personnel during its enforcement.
