The editorial criticizes the Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024, warning that it threatens India’s identity as an open and democratic society. The Bill, introduced by the BJP-led Mahayuti government, allows the state to declare any organization as “unlawful” and criminalizes thoughts or actions deemed threatening to public order. This includes sweeping and vague definitions such as verbal or symbolic expressions.
The article argues that such laws, under the guise of targeting Maoists, risk being misused against political critics, dissenters, and civil society. It notes that while similar laws exist in states like Chhattisgarh and Odisha, the Maharashtra Bill broadens executive powers and curbs civil liberties.
Despite some weak opposition, the Bill passed easily, raising concerns about consensus-driven repression. The piece concludes that punishing speech or dissent endangers India’s democratic fabric and undermines its foundational principles of freedom and open debate.
📌 Value Addition for Mains:
Articles Involved:
Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of speech and expression;
Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty
Key Supreme Court Cases:
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) – Struck down Section 66A of the IT Act for being vague and chilling free speech
Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1962) – Clarified limits of sedition
Recent Events: Increasing criminalization of speech and political dissent across states
Use of UAPA and similar laws against civil society members
📝 GS Paper 2 – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
1. “Laws that criminalize thought and speech pose a threat to democratic values.” In light of this statement, critically examine the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024.
(250 words)
2. Examine the constitutional safeguards for freedom of speech and expression in India. How does the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 challenge these rights?
(250 words)
3. “Executive overreach in the name of public security undermines the rule of law.” Discuss with reference to the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024.
(150 words)
4. Discuss the challenges posed by vague and sweeping legal definitions of “unlawful activities” in state security legislations. Refer to the provisions of the MSPS Bill, 2024.
(250 words)
5. Analyze the implications of criminalizing dissent and criticism of the state on India’s status as an open and pluralistic society.
(150 words)
🧭 GS Paper 4 – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
6. “Ethical governance must balance national security with civil liberties.” Discuss this dilemma in the context of the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024.
(150 words)
7. Discuss the ethical issues involved in passing laws that may suppress dissent under the guise of national security. Refer to recent state-level legislation.
(250 words)
