Maharashtra Assembly Passes Public Security Bill

• The Maharashtra Assembly passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aimed at preventing unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organisations.

• The Bill was approved by a majority through a voice vote, despite opposition from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and other opposition parties.

• The law will impose punishments ranging from two to seven years in prison for members of unlawful organizations.

• Offences under the Act will be cognisable and non-bailable in nature, and the government can seize and forfeit funds belonging to such groups.

• The Bill was introduced in December 2024 and referred to a joint select committee for scrutiny.

• The new Carnac Bridge in Mumbai was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who renamed it Sindoor Bridge after Operation Sindoor.

• The renaming is a tribute to the armed forces and aims to prevent misuse of the law.

The Supreme Court of India’s Observations on Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls

• The Supreme Court of India has criticized the SIR, stating that the 11 documents listed for verification are a restrictive barrier to voter registration.

• The Court has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider including more accessible documents like Aadhaar, the Elector Photo Identity Card, and the ration card for identity verification.

• The Court has questioned why Aadhaar is excluded while dependent documents like caste certificates are accepted, revealing a misunderstanding of the practical realities of Bihar.

• The Court has also criticized the SIR’s approach of treating every voter as a potential non-citizen unless proven otherwise, which risks significant disenfranchisement of electors despite their valid identification.

• The Court has reminded the ECI that its mandate is to facilitate democratic participation, not to create obstacles.