Under the guise of tackling extremism, the government is introducing sweeping powers to arrest individuals without warrants, says Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad
NEW DELHI — In a sweeping display of dissent, opposition parties and civil society groups staged widespread protests across Maharashtra on Tuesday, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the contentious Special Public Security Bill 2024. Demonstrations were held at 78 locations in 36 districts, including outside collector and tehsildar offices, with activists labelling the proposed legislation as undemocratic and authoritarian.
One of the most prominent demonstrations took place outside the suburban district collector’s office in Bandra East in Mumbai, where protesters gathered in large numbers to voice their concerns. Organised under the banner of the newly-formed Anti-Public Security Bill Committee, the protest saw the participation of several political parties, including the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Shetkari Kamgar Paksha, CPI (Liberation), Lal Nishan Party, and Forward Bloc.
The protesters alleged that the Mahayuti government—comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction)—was using the pretext of curbing urban Naxalism to push through a draconian law that suppresses civil liberties and democratic rights.
“This Bill is a direct assault on the Constitution of India,” said Congress MP and Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad. “It criminalises peaceful protest, social media criticism, and public opinion. Under the guise of tackling extremism, the government is introducing sweeping powers to declare any organisation unlawful without due process, arrest individuals without warrants, and seize property arbitrarily. There is no scope for reform here. It must be repealed in full.”
Echoing her sentiment, Sachin Ahir of Shiv Sena (UBT) stated that the legislation opens the door for “unchecked state power” and “threatens to silence every citizen who dares to question authority.”
Members of the protest committee argued that the Bill would empower the government to curtail the right to protest and free speech, foundational elements of Indian democracy.
“This Bill is not about security,” said Rakhi Jadhav, NCP (Sharad Pawar), Mumbai President. “It is about silencing the voices of farmers, students, journalists, social workers, and anyone who exposes corruption or demands justice. We already have sufficient legal frameworks to deal with violence or unlawful activities. What we don’t need is a law that equates dissent with criminality.”
Prominent activists, academics, and former lawmakers also participated in the protest. Among them were Prakash Reddy, Shailendra Kamble, Ashok Jadhav, Suresh Chandra Raj Hans, Avnish Singh, Dr Kishore Singh, Jayakant Shukla, Anil Sharma, Clive Dayas, Subhash Bhale Rao, and Neeta Mahadik. They marched alongside hundreds of concerned citizens holding placards and chanting slogans like “Lokshahi Zindabad!” (Long live democracy) and “Take back the Public Security Bill!”
Following the protest, a delegation representing the Anti-Public Security Bill Committee submitted a memorandum to the suburban district collector, urging the government to revoke the legislation. The document stated that the Bill would create a chilling effect on public discourse and civic engagement, which are vital in a healthy democracy.
The memorandum highlighted key concerns, including: Vague definitions of what constitutes “unlawful activity”. Provisions allowing arrest without a warrant. Lack of judicial oversight. Risk of property seizure without due legal procedure. Potential targeting of minorities and marginalised communities under the guise of national security
While Mumbai witnessed high-profile participation, similar protests erupted in rural districts like Solapur, Nagpur, Nashik, Beed, and Jalgaon. According to a report by Sabrang, local activists raised slogans denouncing the Bill as “a black law” and “a tool for state-sponsored oppression.”
In several places, symbolic demonstrations were held, including mock funerals of the Constitution, street plays depicting the loss of civil rights, and human chains formed by students and women’s groups. In Pune, tribal leaders joined forces with labour unions to oppose the Bill, fearing it would be used to curb their struggles for land rights and social justice.
Despite the mounting opposition, the Maharashtra government has yet to issue an official response. Sources within the state Home Department claim the Bill is aimed at “enhancing public order” and “preventing subversive activities,” especially in urban centres.
However, critics argue that the lack of transparency in drafting the legislation and the speed with which it was tabled raise serious doubts about the government’s intentions.
“Such laws, introduced without consultation with civil society or public debate, are bound to be misused,” said Dr Kishore Singh, a legal expert who addressed the crowd in Mumbai. “India has a long history of colonial-style laws being weaponised against its own people. We cannot let history repeat itself.”
Protest organisers have called on civil rights organisations, students, legal professionals, and religious leaders across India to join the movement against the Special Public Security Bill 2024. Plans are underway to hold a statewide convention and launch a legal challenge in the high court, should the Bill be passed by the assembly.
“We urge all democratic-minded citizens to stay vigilant,” said Jayakant Shukla, a senior member of the protest committee. “What is at stake is not just freedom of expression, but the very soul of our democracy.”
