Kolkata: The West Bengal government has announced the implementation of two new laws aimed at strengthening law and order across the state. Speaking after an administrative review meeting in Berhampore, Murshidabad, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the legislations, which were passed by the Assembly last month and have since received the Governor’s assent, will come into effect from Monday.
The two laws—the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026 and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, 2026—are intended to tackle hooliganism, violence, and damage to public property more effectively. The Chief Minister said the government remains committed to maintaining law and order and warned that strict action would be taken against those found violating the law.
Under the new laws, individuals deemed to be involved in hooliganism or anti-social activities will be identified. Such accused persons can be detained for up to 12 months without a trial. In serious cases, the accused will not be permitted to engage a lawyer of their choice and will only be able to access assistance through the government’s legal aid services. GeographicReference
Meanwhile, under the second law, recovery of damages will be sought from those who destroy public or private property. A special claims commission will be established for this purpose to assess the damage and determine the compensation amount.
Why did new laws have to be introduced in Bengal?
CM Adhikari stated that the state government bears the responsibility of protecting public and private property during riots, violent protests, unlawful assemblies, and incidents that disrupt law and order; hence, the need for these laws was felt. The Chief Minister instructed police officials not to wait for directives from any political leader regarding law and order matters. He directed that if incidents similar to those in Samserganj, Beldanga, Rejinagar, or Shaktipur occur again, the police should take direct action in accordance with the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He stated that the police have been granted full autonomy to make immediate decisions based on their training and the law.
Strict stance on atrocities against women?
The Chief Minister also directed that all pending cases related to atrocities against women and minors be reopened. He instructed that cases where the guilty have not yet been punished should be reviewed, and necessary action taken to bring the accused to justice. He expressed confidence that incidents such as attacks on the police, the burning of government buses, or the uprooting of railway tracks would not recur. The Chief Minister also noted that the Murshidabad district administration has done commendable work in making land available to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border; out of 368 acres, 338 acres have already been handed over to the BSF.
