Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) MP Supriya Sule has strongly criticized a new bill being introduced by the Maharashtra government, alleging that it poses a serious threat to fundamental rights.
"The rulers of Maharashtra have decided to bring in a bill that will violate the fundamental rights of citizens. Through this bill, the common people's right to speak against the government will be taken away. In a healthy democracy, opposition voices are respected, as they play a crucial role in keeping the government accountable and ensuring public opinion is honored. However, the proposed Maharashtra Special Public Safety Act grants excessive powers to government agencies under the pretext of defining 'illegal acts.' This, in effect, gives the government a license to establish a 'police raj,' which could be misused against individuals, institutions, or organizations that express constructive opposition through democratic means. This bill undermines the very spirit of 'We the People of India,'" Sule stated in a social media post.
Further criticizing the bill, Sule warned that granting unlimited powers to the administration could lead to targeted harassment and persecution driven by personal or political vendettas. "Criticizing government policies, peacefully protesting, or participating in a democratic march could be labeled as illegal under this bill. This directly violates the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights of citizens and disregards the principles of ideological diversity in our country. Moreover, the bill also allows the government to interfere in the judicial process in certain instances, posing a direct threat to judicial independence and sovereignty," she alleged.
Also Read: Navi Mumbai Environmental Group Writes PM Narendra Modi to Address Coastal Flooding Threat
Appealing to the government, Sule urged a reconsideration of the bill, emphasizing its potential to curtail essential democratic freedoms. "Some provisions of this bill attack constitutional rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to a fair trial. The British government had attempted to introduce a similar law—the Rowlatt Act—during their rule, which was met with widespread resistance. This bill contradicts the basic principles of our Constitution, and we strongly condemn it. We urge the government to review the draft once again and ensure that constitutional values are not violated," she stated.