Top News

Kolkata: The West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Monday passed the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, with 176 members voting in favor and 41 opposing it. The legislation aims to strengthen legal measures to tackle violence, riots and anti-social activities across the state.

The government said the new law is intended to enhance public safety by providing stricter action against those involved in activities that disturb law and order. It believes the legislation will act as a deterrent against organized violence and help maintain peace.

Government Defends New Law

Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state government is committed to improving law and order and accused the previous administration of failing to effectively address violence- issues.

He also claimed that several states have enacted similar public safety laws under different names and said the new legislation is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen governance and ensure public security.

UCC Draft to Reach Cabinet

The Chief Minister also announced that the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be placed before the state Cabinet on July 2.

According to him, the draft has been prepared by a committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. After the Cabinet’s consideration, the proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in the Assembly.

Adhikari said the proposed UCC will not apply to tribal communities and added that the committee’s recommendations will form the basis of the legislation.

Focus on Governance Agenda

The Public Safety Bill and the proposed UCC are among the key legislative initiatives being pursued by the government. Earlier, the Chief Minister had also announced plans to introduce laws to illegal land occupation, forced religious conversions and other issues as part of the state’s governance agenda.