Bengal enforces new Act to recover violence, property damage costs
Times of India | 25 August 2026
Suman.Chakraborti@timesofindia.com
Kolkata: The state govt on Monday notified and brought into force the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, 2026, with CM Suvendu Adhikari warning that those damaging govt or public property during protests would face stringent action.
The Act mandates payment of compensation for such damages and attachment and auction of the offender’s property in case of non-payment.
“From Monday, a part of the Anti-Goonda Act has come into force in West Bengal. We have notified the rules of West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, 2026 after the governor’s signature,” the CM said, addressing a news conference at Nabanna.
Adhikari said no one would be spared for vandalising public property or attacking police personnel on duty. He said those found responsible for damaging govt assets would have to pay compensation amounting to three times the value of the damage, along with interest. The CM also warned that attacks on police personnel would invite swift legal action.
The state assembly had passed the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening the existing legal framework to prevent anti-social activities, on July 29. The Bengal govt has maintained that these measures were aimed at preventing violence, protecting public assets and strengthening law and order across the state.
“Vandalising govt property, attacking police, burning BDO offices and police stations — we will recover compensation. The act has come into force on Monday. It is part of the Anti-Goonda Act. The other part (West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, which has a provision of 12 months’ preventive arrest) is waiting for President’s assent),” Adhikari said.
The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, 2026 establishes a legal framework for claiming compensation for damages caused to public and private property during incidents like riots or anti-social activities. The law has amended the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act, 1972 to create a money recovery mechanism for property destroyed during riots, arson, vandalism and protests.
The law establishes a statutory claims commission to assess losses and recover costs directly from rioters, protesters, instigators and financiers through the attachment and auction of assets. If the compensation is not paid, the claims commission can issue certificates to the collector to recover the sum as arrears of land revenue through the attachment and auction of the offender’s property.
“The people of Bengal mandated us several agendas — attaching thieves’ properties before auctioning those and bringing money to the state exchequer and not to get allowance only,” Adhikari said.