The West Bengal state government tabled the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill in the state Assembly in June 2024 [1].

The legislation, commonly referred to as the ‘Goonda Bill,’ represents a significant expansion of police power to combat organized crime. By allowing for prolonged detention without immediate trial, the government aims to disrupt the operations of habitual offenders and improve general public safety [1, 2].

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led the government in introducing the measure during the June session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly in Kolkata [1]. The bill is designed to give authorities the legal framework to identify and restrict individuals classified as ‘goondas’ — those engaged in organized anti-social activities that threaten the peace of the region [1, 2].

Under the provisions of the proposed law, authorities may detain suspected individuals for up to one year without a trial [2]. This mechanism is intended to prevent recidivism and stop the coordination of criminal networks before they can execute further activities [2].

In addition to detention powers, the bill establishes financial penalties for those who violate its terms. The legislation allows for a maximum monetary penalty of Rs 10,000 [2].

The state government said the bill is necessary to strengthen law and order across the state [1]. The focus remains on curbing organized crime and ensuring that those who repeatedly engage in anti-social behavior are removed from the streets to protect the general population [1, 2].

“The bill is designed to give authorities the legal framework to identify and restrict suspected ‘goondas’.”

This legislation signals a shift toward preventive detention as a primary tool for maintaining public order in West Bengal. By bypassing the immediate requirement for a trial, the state gains the ability to neutralize perceived threats more quickly, though such measures often spark debates regarding the balance between state security and individual civil liberties.