Supriya Sule slams Bill against urban Naxalism in Maharashtra

NCP MP Supriya Sule opposes Maharashtra's proposed anti-Naxalism law, warning it could suppress dissent and violate constitutional rights.

NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule on Saturday (March 15, 2025) opposed the law proposed by the BJP government against urban Naxalism in Maharashtra, and said that under the proposed ‘Prevention of Certain Unlawful Activities by Individuals And Organisations and For Matters Connected Therewith or Incidental Thereto’ Bill, the definition of “illegal acts” seems to grant unlimited powers to government agencies.

“This effectively gives the government a license to establish a Police Raj, which could be misused against individuals, institutions, or organizations that express constructive opposition in a democratic manner. This bill undermines the very concept of “We, the People of India,” Ms. Sule said on X (formerly Twitter).

The Maharashtra government has decided to introduce a new Bill that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens, she said. “Through this bill, the right of common people to speak against the government will be taken away. In a truly healthy democracy, dissenting opinions are respected. The principle of democracy also values opposition voices, as they ensure that those in power remain accountable and respect public opinion,” Ms. Sule said.

The State government tabled the Bill in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on July 11 last year. Then Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Law and Judiciary Devendra Fadnavis justified the requirement by saying that Naxalism is not limited to remote areas of the State but has reached the cities through frontal organisations.

After becoming Chief Minister, Mr. Fadnavis re-introduced the Bill during the winter session of the State legislature in December 2024, and said that the law was aimed at closing the dens of urban Naxals. He said that the proposed legislation was not for suppressing genuine dissenting voices. He emphasised that a law was needed to tackle Naxalism in Maharashtra since the State lacked one.

“We have IPC (Indian Penal Code) and UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act). UAPA is for handling cases related to terror activities. States like Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have enacted Public Security Acts for effective prevention of unlawful activities, and banned 48 frontal organisations,” he said.