Sanjay Raut Criticizes Maharashtra’s Public Safety Bill for Stifling Dissent

Rapid Summary

• Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, calling it a threat to civil liberties and democracy.
• Writing in Saamana, Raut alleged the legislation was designed to serve political and corporate interests rather than public safety.
• The bill grants police powers to arrest individuals for acts deemed as disturbing “public order,” which he described as vague and prone to misuse.
• Activists, NGOs, civil society groups resisting projects like Adani’s mining operations could face targeting under this law.
• Passed on July 10, 2025, during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly; objections from CPI and other parties did not prevent approval via voice vote.
• Once enacted after Legislative Council approval, Maharashtra will become the fifth State with such a public security law-joining Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
• Punishments range from two to seven years in prison for members of unlawful organizations; offences under the Act are non-bailable and allow seizure of funds linked with those groups.
• Raut accused the government of using this bill pre-politically before civic elections in Mumbai while turning blind toward hate speech by right-wing elements.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The passage of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill raises meaningful concerns about its potential implications for governance. while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that safeguards would prevent misuse against dissenting citizens, critiques like those raised by Sanjay Raut highlight risks if enforcement is left unchecked. The vague definition of “public order” can create subjective interpretations leading to reduced space for peaceful protests or civil opposition. Moreover, criminalizing dissent might disenfranchise marginalized voices fighting displacement or ecological degradation due to corporate projects.

By aligning such laws with similar efforts in other states known for addressing Left Wing Extremist threats but facing criticism over human rights violations indicates a growing policy trend prioritizing stringent security frameworks. Striking a balance that encourages regional safety without undermining democratic norms will be critical as public scrutiny intensifies.

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