What Is West Bengal's 'Goonda Bill'? New Anti-Social Activities Act Comes Into Effect

West Bengal’s Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, widely referred to as the "Goonda Bill," officially came into effect following its midnight notification on Monday. The new legislation provides the state government with sweeping powers aimed at curbing organized crime, but it has sparked intense pushback from opposition parties who label it a draconian measure vulnerable to political misuse.

The legislation was passed by the West Bengal Assembly on June 29 and quickly received the Governor's assent. With its formal notification now complete, law enforcement and administrative authorities across the state can immediately begin implementing its strict provisions. ‘BJP Is Using Police to Break TMC From Within’: Mamata Banerjee Alleges Threats to Party MLAs.

Key Provisions and Preventive Detention Powers

The most heavily debated feature of the anti-goonda law is the state's authority to order preventive detention for up to one year. This measure can be applied if authorities believe an individual's activities pose a significant threat to public safety.

To address concerns regarding arbitrary action, the government noted that the Act contains legal safeguards. Every preventive detention order must undergo a mandatory review by an independent advisory board. This board will be led by a serving or former judge of the Calcutta High Court, alongside two members qualified to hold High Court judgeships. Detained individuals will also be granted the right to present a formal defense before this panel.

Property Confiscation and Externment Orders

Beyond preventive detention, the Act empowers district magistrates, police commissioners, and senior law enforcement officials to issue externment orders. Under these orders, suspected troublemakers can be barred from entering a specific area, or ordered to leave a particular district entirely, for a duration of up to one year to maintain public order. Former TMC Rajya Sabha MPs Sushmita Dev, Prakash Chik Baraik, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy Join BJP.

Furthermore, the state can now confiscate the properties of individuals accused under the Act by invoking relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The legislation also extends legal protection to government officials and police personnel involved in enforcing its directives.

Political Context and Government Defense

The ruling BJP government has strongly defended the implementation of the law, stating that it specifically targets habitual offenders, organized crime networks, and illicit operations such as unauthorized sand extraction, illegal mining, and wildlife-related offenses.

West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh stated that the law is a necessary step to dismantle politically backed criminal networks that have disrupted public life for years. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also countered opposition criticism by pointing out that similar public safety legislations are already operational in several other states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand.

Despite these assurances, opposition groups and civil society members continue to express concern, arguing that the broad scope of the law requires stringent oversight to ensure it is not weaponized against political critics and opponents.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2026 03:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).