West Bengal's New Anti-Crime Law Takes Effect, Allows Preventive Detention And Bulldozer Action

Kolkata: The West Bengal governemnt on Monday implemented the two new anti-crime laws, which was passed by the state Assembly last month after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that law and order was prime on his Government’s agenda as it was a precondition for State’s economic revival and new investments.

What will the new law do?

This law will give the police the right to detain any suspect for up to a year without a case. It will also pave the way for bulldozer action on the properties of anti-social elements. This is being described as an important decision of the BJP government formed for the first time after the massive victory in the assembly elections held in Bengal. On paper, the name of this law is 'The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act'. But in common parlance it is being called Anti Crime Law or Goonda Daman Law. 

What powers will police get?

This law empowers police to detain suspects for up to one year without filing a charge sheet or trial. It also provides for the confiscation of illegally acquired property and the seizure or demolition of property to compensate for damage to public or private property during riots.

The law also empowers police to order habitual offenders and gangsters to leave certain areas or districts. It also empowers them to detain suspects before an incident occurs to prevent potential crime or riots.

Recently, while advocating for this law, BJP MP Raju Bista said that hooliganism used to be rampant in Bengal under the previous government. Under the BJP government, hooliganism has stopped. Those who looted public money will return that money to the government treasury, where it will be used for the public good.