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30 June 2026

West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill

The bill involves significant constitutional and governance issues regarding preventive detention, the right to legal counsel, and the separation of powers, which are core topics for GS2.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 allows for the detention of individuals deemed 'desperate and dangerous' for up to one year to prevent future anti-social activities.
  • The Bill mandates the formation of an advisory board, chaired by a current or former High Court judge, to review detention cases within three weeks.
  • Section 10(4) of the Bill generally prohibits legal representation for detainees before the advisory board, though the board may grant exceptions in writing.
  • The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026 mandates compensation payments from individuals found responsible for damaging public or private property.
  • Proponents argue these measures are necessary to address the criminalisation of politics and maintain public order, citing similar legislative precedents in other Indian states.
  • Critics express concerns regarding the potential for administrative overreach, the restriction of legal counsel, and the potential impact on the right to peaceful protest.

Questions

  1. Examine the constitutional validity of preventive detention laws in India, particularly in the context of balancing state security with the fundamental right to legal representation. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Discuss the challenges posed by the criminalisation of public space and property damage to the maintenance of public order. Evaluate the role of administrative detention as a tool for governance in a democratic framework. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Under the provisions of the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, who is mandated to chair the advisory board for detention review?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-30/west-bengal-public-safety-and-control-of-anti-social