A major political showdown is brewing in Maharashtra as opposition parties and various social organizations intensify their resistance to the Public Safety Bill 2024 proposed by the state government. The bill, which critics claim is unconstitutional and undemocratic, has triggered widespread outrage and demands for its immediate withdrawal.
A massive protest march is set to take place in Mumbai on June 30, 2025, coinciding with the first day of the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Protesters are expected to converge from across the state, making this one of the most significant demonstrations against the ruling government’s legislative actions in recent times. Prior to this, protests have already been staged at 78 locations across the state, and a public awareness campaign is currently being spearheaded by the Anti-Public Safety Bill Committee.
Opposition leaders and activists argue that the bill infringes upon fundamental constitutional rights, with vague language and undefined terms posing a serious threat to civil liberties. One of the most contentious aspects is the bill’s reference to curbing "urban Naxalism" — a term that lacks a clear legal definition.
Critics warn that this ambiguity could enable arbitrary arrests, as anyone could be labeled as a threat without sufficient evidence. Furthermore, the bill considers acts such as disturbing public peace, pressuring the administration, and participating in violent activities as “illegal acts,” and proposes severe penalties for individuals and groups associated with such activities.
Legal experts and civil rights organizations fear that the bill could concentrate excessive powers in the hands of the administration, potentially undermining judicial independence and silencing dissent. “The bill not only threatens civil liberties but could also be weaponized to suppress anti-government voices,” said one opposition leader. “It is a clear step toward authoritarianism disguised as public safety.”
The upcoming march in Mumbai is being described as a decisive moment in the battle to uphold democratic values in the state. With participation expected from across political parties, student bodies, civil rights groups, and legal experts, the event will serve as both a public show of resistance and a call to protect the Constitution. The Maharashtra government, meanwhile, has yet to respond directly to the growing backlash, but security measures are being reviewed in preparation for the large-scale demonstration.