Kolkata, 11 July (H.S.): The West Bengal government will bring into force the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, popularly known as the Anti-Goonda Law, from Monday, July 13. The legislation was passed by voice vote in the State Assembly recently.

Announcing the decision in Berhampore, Murshidabad, on Friday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the new law would help prevent incidents like those witnessed in Samserganj and Dhulian. He asserted that the legislation would strengthen the state's response against organised crime and anti-social activities.

Addressing reporters after an administrative review meeting at Rabindra Sadan in Berhampore, the Chief Minister said incidents of arson involving trains and buses, attacks on police personnel, crimes against women and human trafficking would be dealt with firmly. He added that cases under the new law would be fast-tracked and warned of stringent action against anyone involved in such offences.

The Chief Minister was on his first official visit to Murshidabad after assuming office. During the interaction, he also expressed hope that a bill on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be introduced in the State Assembly soon. He further stated that the Governor had given assent to the bills recently passed by the Assembly.

The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, was passed by the State Assembly on June 29 following the formation of the new government. The legislation grants extensive powers to the police and investigating agencies to act against activities that create fear or insecurity among the public. Political violence, extortion, syndicate operations, illegal land grabbing, illegal mining and sand extraction, vandalism of property and obstruction of business activities have also been brought within the ambit of the law.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey