Bengal invokes anti-goonda Act after governor’s nod

The West Bengal government has invoked a special portion of the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, commonly known as the 'anti-goonda law', effective from Monday. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said Governor RN Ravi gave his assent to the Act, enabling arrests for attacks on police and recovery of costs for damage to public property. The state issued a notification to this effect on Monday.

The Chief Minister said prompt action will be taken under the Act if on-duty policemen are attacked or government property is damaged. The Act was passed by the Assembly on June 29, and the government had earlier informed the High Court on August 6 that it was yet to come into force because the President's assent was pending. Adhikari said another portion of the Bill still awaits the President's clearance, which he expects soon.

Two petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Act were filed in the High Court in July. The court had asked the state to report on the status of the legislation by August 6. On that date, the state's Additional Advocate General said the Bill was not yet law because the President's assent had not arrived, so the court could not hear the petitions.