West Bengal Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari defended the new Anti-Social Activities Act, calling it necessary to end decades of ‘goondaraj’. BJP leaders also supported it. This law is designed to curb organized crime and protect public safety.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [भारत]July 14 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari on Monday defended the state’s Anti-Social Activities Act, saying it is necessary to end decades of political violence and “thug raj” under previous governments. Speaking on the Anti-Social Activities Bill passed by the West Bengal Assembly, Adhikari said the law was necessary to take action against those responsible for violence during the previous Trinamool Congress governments.
The officer said, “It was very necessary. There was a government of Communist thugs for 34 years. Then there was a government of Trinamool goons for 15 years. This law was very necessary to catch them. We got the law passed in the Assembly and the Governor approved it.” The West Bengal Assembly had passed the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 in June, with 176 members voting in favor of the law and 41 against it. After getting the assent of the Governor, this bill officially came into force in the entire state on July 13 (today).
Only criminals will be afraid of law: Sushmita Dev
Expressing similar views on this law, BJP leader Sushmita Dev said that this bill will only create fear among people involved in criminal activities like extortion and bribery. “This bill giving powers of arrest will only scare the culprits. Those who have been involved in ‘Tolabaaji’ (extortion), racketeering or bribery for the last 15 years will definitely be scared. The truth will come out. If you ask people on the streets of Bengal, they will tell you the reality.”
Gave his opinion on UCC also
Responding to a separate question on Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Dev said the provision is already mentioned in the Constitution and mentioned its implementation in Assam. “Those who are wondering what is UCC, they should first of all know that it is provided under Article 44 of the Constitution. Secondly, regarding the situation in Assam, let me tell you what the rules say: If a girl is below 18 years and a boy is below 21 years, they cannot marry. You cannot have more than one marriage; if you already have a wife, you cannot take another. With regard to inheritance, after the death of the father the daughter and son Both have equal rights.”
Goons had free rein in previous governments: Rudranil Ghosh
Supporting the Anti-Social Activities Bill, BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh alleged that criminal elements worked freely under previous governments in the state and said the law would help restore law and order. “It is sad that such a bill had to be brought. However, under the previous Left government, the TMC government in Bengal, goons were given a free hand to operate with impunity knowing that the police would not intervene. The system was hollowed out. After 2021, BJP workers were brutally murdered, made homeless and forced to flee. At that time, the Human Rights Commission came to investigate but was attacked Every citizen of Bengal is well aware of how these goons are being appointed as ministers and councilors. This bill will create fear among them because its aim is to ensure peace and tranquility in the lives of common citizens.”
What is Anti-Social Activities Bill?
The Anti-Social Activities Bill aims to strengthen public security, maintain law and order and establish strict control over organized anti-social activities. According to the bill, action can be taken against any person or group whose activities create fear, panic or insecurity among the public, disturb public order, endanger life and property, or obstruct legitimate trade, business and professional activities.
Illegal mining, unauthorized sand extraction, and illegal activities involving forest resources or wildlife have also been brought under the definition of anti-social activities. One of the most talked about provisions of the bill is preventive detention. If the State Government or any authorized officer feels that the activities of a person may pose a threat to public safety, an order of detention can be issued against that person. District Magistrates and Police Commissioners will also have the power to issue such orders in specified circumstances. (ANI)
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