In tabling and passing the stringent Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill in the state assembly in two days, with a controversial voice vote, the Mahayuti government of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has doubled down on its intent to stifle opposition from the left-wing. This is a revised version of the Bill introduced last December and, after protests, referred to a review committee of all-party MLAs.

The law intends to curb “extremist Left ideology” and Naxalism or Maoism, but, as a wide range of critics have pointed out, it gives the government virtually unchecked powers to act against political protesters, activists, and organisations that question it. The definitions, especially the ones pertaining to disturbance of public order, can be invoked........

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