West Bengal Passes Bills Allowing Preventive Detention to Curb Anti-Social Activities
West Bengal's BJP government introduced two bills in June 2026 aimed at curbing organised crime and public disorder by expanding the definition of "anti-social activity" and allowing preventive detention without trial for up to 12 months. The legislation also permits auctioning offenders' properties to recover damages. While supporters, including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, argue these laws address previous administrative failures and political violence, critics raise concerns about potential misuse, lack of transparency, and threats to civil liberties.