West Bengal Anti-Gunda Bill status remains under review amid conflicting reports

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the status of the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, commonly referred to as the ‘Anti-Gunda Bill’.

Initial reports suggested that President Droupadi Murmu had returned the bill to the state government for reconsideration. These reports cited legal concerns regarding potential overlaps between the proposed legislation and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, specifically concerning the definition of ‘gunda’ and preventive detention frameworks.

However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check has labeled these claims as misleading. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the bill is currently undergoing a formal examination process. The legislation, which aims to control organized crime, extortion, illegal mining, and cybercrime, was sent to the central government for presidential approval after being reserved by the Governor. The Ministry clarified that the bill is still being circulated among relevant central ministries and departments for comments and has not been returned by the President.