Kolkata10 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
West Bengal’s new Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, popularly known as the Anti-Goonda Law, came into force on Monday, granting sweeping powers to the state government and law enforcement agencies to take preventive action against alleged anti-social elements.
New anti-goonda law takes effect statewide
Under the law, the state government, Police Commissioner, District Magistrate, or a government-authorised officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) can order the preventive detention of a person suspected of engaging in anti-social activities.
Such individuals can be detained for up to one year without a criminal trial as a preventive measure. However, detainees will have the right to challenge the detention before a government-appointed committee or advisory board.
Preventive detention powers now officially implemented
The legislation was passed by the West Bengal Assembly on June 29 as the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026. The Act also empowers the designated commission to impose exemplary compensation of up to twice the actual damage caused in cases involving the destruction of public or private property.
Broad definition covers organised criminal activities
The law broadly defines “anti-social activities” as acts that create fear among the public, threaten public order, endanger life or property, obstruct lawful business or occupation, illegally occupy movable or immovable property, damage public or private assets, engage in illegal mining or extraction of sand, stone or other natural resources, or harm wildlife and forest resources.
Goonda definition expanded under new legislation
The legislation also provides a specific definition of a “goonda.” According to the Act, a person who habitually engages in anti-social activities either individually or as a member or leader of a gang, syndicate or organised group can be designated as a goonda.
Government cites stronger crime control measures
The law also covers individuals accused of offences under the Arms Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, Explosives Act, and specified serious offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempts to commit such crimes.
Officials say the law is intended to curb organised crime, including extortion, illegal land grabbing, syndicate operations, illegal mining, vandalism, and activities that threaten public safety. The government argues that preventive powers are necessary to stop repeat offenders and organised criminal networks before crimes occur.
Opposition raises civil liberty concerns immediately
However, the legislation has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, which have described it as a “black law.” They allege that its broad provisions and preventive detention powers could be misused to suppress political dissent and target opposition activists, raising concerns over civil liberties and due process.
