In a major constitutional development, President Droupadi Murmu has returned the West Bengal government’s Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, commonly referred to as the Anti-Goonda Bill, for reconsideration. The move means the proposed legislation will not become law immediately and must be reviewed by the state government before it can be sent back for Presidential approval.
The Centre raised concerns over a provision that includes people accused of offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 within the Bill’s definition of a “goonda.” Officials argued that this could overlap with the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988, a Central law that already provides preventive detention provisions for drug-related offences.
Under Article 201 of the Constitution, a Bill reserved for the President’s consideration can be returned to the state legislature for reconsideration. The West Bengal Assembly can amend the disputed provisions, pass the Bill again, and resend it for Presidential assent.
The Anti-Goonda Bill was introduced by the West Bengal government to strengthen action against organised crime and anti-social activities. The President’s decision has now triggered a fresh round of legal and political discussions over the balance between state legislation and existing Central laws.
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