The Suvendu Adhikari government on Monday passed two landmark legislations aimed at curbing riots, vandalism and organised crime, which have stringent provisions like allowing preventive detention for 12 months without trial.
The ‘West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ and the ‘West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026’, popularly referred to as the “Anti-Goonda Bill”, were passed through division, where 176 votes were in favour and 41 were against it, while 20 legislators abstained from voting.
The government said the legislations were necessary in the backdrop of widespread allegations of corruption, extortion, syndicate operations, land grabbing and large-scale destruction of public property during the previous Trinamool Congress regime.
It also cited instances where investigating agencies allegedly recovered lavish properties, huge bank deposits, gold and other valuable assets from several political leaders and their associates.
Piloting the Anti-Goonda Bill, Minister of State for Home Bishal Lama said the legislation would provide law enforcement agencies with stronger legal tools to tackle organised criminal networks and restore the rule of law.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the legislation, alleging that West Bengal had witnessed prolonged political violence and destruction of public property under the previous government.
“West Bengal witnessed the country’s first anti-CAA procession, which sparked violence across the state. Railway tracks were uprooted in Samsi, stations were set ablaze in Beldanga and Rejinagar, buses were torched in Santragachi and shops were looted and destroyed at several places,” Adhikari said while speaking in the Assembly.
He said the new law would ensure that those responsible for such violence would not only face imprisonment but also have their properties attached to compensate victims and recover losses.
“Those who want to indulge in violent protests should go to states ruled by the INDIA bloc. In West Bengal, those responsible for damaging public or private property will have to pay for it,” he said.
The chief minister was referring to the ‘West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026’ which significantly expanded the powers of police and the administration to combat organised crime.
The legislation covers offences including extortion, land grabbing, illegal occupation of property, destruction of public and private assets, illegal mining and sand extraction, disruption of lawful businesses, environmental offences and activities creating fear or insecurity among the public.
Offences under the Act will be cognisable and non-bailable.
Defining “goonda” as a habitual offender engaged in anti-social activities individually or as part of a gang or syndicate, the bill provides for preventive detention of individuals for up to 12 months on grounds of public safety, subject to review by an Advisory Board headed by a sitting or former High Court judge.
Authorities have also been empowered to conduct searches, seize properties allegedly linked to criminal activities and prosecute those who knowingly shelter persons against whom detention or externment orders have been issued.
Simultaneously the BJP government also introduced, ‘West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ that allows provision for the constitution of an independent Claims Commission to assess damage caused during riots, unlawful assemblies, political demonstrations, arson, vandalism and mob violence.
The commission will determine compensation payable by those found responsible for damaging public or private property.
The law covers damage to roads, bridges, government buildings, buses, hospitals, educational institutions, civic infrastructure, shops, factories, homes and other private establishments.
Liability would extend not only to those directly involved in violence but also to persons accused of organising, funding, instigating, supporting or sheltering those responsible.
The commission will enjoy powers similar to those of a civil court, including summoning witnesses, examining documents, inspecting sites and engaging technical experts to assess losses.
It may award compensation based on market value, repair costs and available evidence, including photographs, videos and police reports.
It may also impose exemplary damages of up to twice the actual loss, levy interest on unpaid compensation and recover outstanding amounts as arrears of land revenue.
Proceedings before the commission will continue independently of any criminal trial.
The passage of the two legislations witnessed protests from the Opposition, with concerns raised over the enhanced powers proposed for law enforcement agencies.
The government, however, maintained that the laws were essential to dismantle organised criminal networks, recover losses from those responsible for violence and strengthen public order across the state.