Two new anti-crime laws passed by West Bengal Assembly

New Delhi, Jul 13, 2026 : Two new anti-crime laws passed by the West Bengal Assembly have come into force in the state today following the Governor’s assent. The West Bengal Assembly passed the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Bill, 2026 and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in June this year.

The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Act, 2026 provides for preventive detention of persons involved in anti-social activities or those likely to engage in such activities. Such persons may be detained for a maximum period of one year. The Act empowers the State Government, the Police Commissioner, the District Magistrate, or a police officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) authorised by the government to issue preventive detention orders.

Ordinarily, a person will be informed of the grounds for detention and given an opportunity to present their case before a detention order is issued. However, in matters relating to public order, internal security or overriding public interest, the authorities may order immediate detention. Such an order will remain valid only if it receives the approval of the State Government within 15 days.

With the Governor’s assent, the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, 2026 has also come into effect from today.

The State Government said the new laws will enable quicker and stricter action against anti-social activities, riots, attacks on police personnel and organised crime. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said violence or disruption of public order in the name of protests will not be tolerated. He expressed hope that the new laws will play an important role in ensuring the safety and security of women and children.