The West Bengal Maintenance Of Public Order ( Amendment) Act, 2023

General20235 orders

This legislation amends public order laws in West Bengal to crack down on unlawfully acquired wealth and safeguard public assets. It expands the definition of subversive acts to include possessing stolen or suspiciously obtained property, particularly assets belonging to the government, public authorities, or entrusted to public servants. The law empowers the state government to temporarily attach and freeze such illegal properties to prevent their concealment or transfer. Furthermore, it allows courts to permanently seize and auction these assets to compensate victims, including individuals or the state itself, who suffered losses. This measure aims to deter economic crimes, protect public interest, and ensure victim compensation.

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1. Short title and commencement.
2. Amendment of section 2 of West Ben. Act IX of 1972.
3. Amendment of section 8.
4. Amendment of section 20.
5. Insertion of new section after section 20.

PDF: pending for this language.