NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule has equated the proposed law against urban naxalism in Maharashtra with the colonial Rowlatt Act, which she alleged might be misused against individuals or organisations critical of the government, effectively creating a police raj.
Sule demanded that the government review the draft of the bill and ensure that Constitutional values are not violated.
The 'Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024' bill, which will become the first law to tackle naxalism in the state, proposes to give several powers to the government and the police machinery in combating unlawful activities. All offences registered under this Act will be cognisable and non-bailable.
While re-introducing the bill during the winter session of the state legislature last December, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had said the law was aimed at closing down the dens of urban Naxals, stressing that the proposed legislation was not against suppressing genuine dissenting voices.
Sule on Saturday