Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 14 : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday defended the state's Anti-Social Activities Act, asserting that it is necessary to dismantle decades of political violence and "thug rule" under previous governments.
Speaking on the Anti-Social Activities Bill passed by the West Bengal Assembly, Adhikari said the legislation was needed to act against those responsible for violence during the previous Trinamool Congress governments.
"This was very necessary. There was a government of communist thugs for 34 years. Then there was a government of Trinamool goons for 15 years. This law was very necessary to seize them. We got the law passed in the assembly, and the governor approved it," said Adhikari.
The West Bengal Assembly passed the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, in June, with 176 members voting in favour of the legislation and 41 voting against it. The bill officially came into force across the state on July 13 (today) after receiving assent from the Governor.
Echoing similar views on the legislation, BJP leader Sushmita Dev said the Bill would only create fear among those involved in criminal activities such as extortion and bribery.
"This bill, which grants the power of arrest, will intimidate only the guilty. Those who have been involved in 'tolabaji' (extortion), racketeering, or bribery over the last 15 years will certainly be afraid. The truth will come out. If you ask people on the streets of Bengal, they will tell you the reality."
Replying to a separate question on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Dev said the provision already finds mention in the Constitution and referred to its implementation in Assam.
"For those wondering what the UCC is, the first thing to know is that it is provided for under Article 44 of the Constitution. Secondly, regarding the situation in Assam, let me tell you what the rules state: if a girl is under 18 and a boy is under 21, they cannot marry. You cannot enter into more than one marriage; if you already have a wife, you cannot take a second one. Regarding inheritance, both the daughter and the son have equal rights after the father's death."
Supporting the Anti-Social Activities Bill, BJP MLA Rudranil Ghosh alleged that criminal elements had operated freely under previous governments in the state and said the legislation would help restore law and order.
"It is distressing that such a bill had to be introduced. However, under the previous Left regime, the TMC regime in Bengal, goons were given a free hand to act with impunity, knowing the police would not intervene. The system had been hollowed out. After 2021, BJP workers were subjected to brutal killings, rendered homeless, and forced to flee. At that time, the Human Rights Commission arrived to investigate but came under attack. Every citizen of Bengal is well aware of how these goons are being appointed as ministers and councillors. This bill will instil fear in them because the goal is to ensure peace and tranquillity in the lives of ordinary citizens."
The Anti-Social Activities Bill aims to strengthen public safety, maintain law and order and establish stricter control over organised anti-social activities.
According to the Bill, action may be taken against any individual or group whose activities create fear, panic, or a sense of insecurity among the public, disturb public order, threaten life and property, or obstruct lawful trade, business, and professional activities. Illegal mining, unauthorised sand extraction, and unlawful activities involving forest resources or wildlife have also been brought under the definition of anti-social activities.
One of the most debated provisions of the Bill is preventive detention. If the State Government or an authorised officer believes that a person's activities may pose a threat to public safety, a detention order may be issued against that person. District Magistrates and Police Commissioners will also have the authority to issue such orders under specified circumstances.