West Bengal Public Safety Bill 2026: Status and Concerns
Why in the news
A state law on habitual offenders, passed in mid-2026, has drawn attention because reports on where it currently stands do not agree.
Key facts
- Bill: popularly the Anti-Goonda Bill, formally the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026.
- Passed: West Bengal Assembly, June 2026.
- Subjects covered: habitual offenders, organised crime, threats to public order, with preventive detention provisions.
Concerns
- The Centre reportedly worried about a clash with the NDPS Act, 1985 and PITNDPS Act, 1988.
- Reports said the President returned the Bill for reconsideration.
Conflicting status
| Version | Claim |
|---|---|
| Media reports | President returned the Bill for reconsideration |
| Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari | Bill remains with the Union Home Ministry for consideration |
Because the two versions differ, the procedural position should be treated with care.
Exam angle
- Preventive detention and overlap with central narcotics laws are the key themes.
- Acts named: NDPS Act, 1985 and PITNDPS Act, 1988.
- Passed by the Assembly in June 2026.