Bengal brings Bill on year-long detention, restriction of legal access

The West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed two controversial bills, the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The first bill grants the government broad powers to detain individuals suspected of anti-social activity for up to a year without legal representation before an advisory board. The second bill mandates compensation for damage to property, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stating it is necessary due to political violence and criminalization. Opposition parties expressed concerns about the potential for abuse and restriction on peaceful protests.