I. Urban Maoism: Concept & Strategy

• Definition: CPI(Maoist) strategy to expand influence in cities via:
  • Mobilizing students/intellectuals/minorities
  • Infiltrating NGOs, media, civil society
  • Using protests, legal campaigns, propaganda
• Key Document: Strategies & Tactics of Indian Revolution (STIR, 2004)
  • Directs cadres to build urban bases supporting rural armed struggle
• Examples:
  • Elgar Parishad case (2018): Activists arrested for alleged Maoist links
  • Alleged ties with groups like Popular Front of India (PFI)

II. Maharashtra SPSB 2024 Provisions

Aspect	Key Provision	Concerns
Unlawful Activity	Vague terms: "disturbing public order", "encouraging disobedience"	Criminalizes legitimate dissent/protests
Penalties	• 2-7 yrs jail for membership/fundraising • Cognizable, non-bailable	Lowers burden of proof for arrest
Property Forfeiture	Pre-conviction seizure (15-day notice)	Violates presumption of innocence (Art 21)
Advisory Board	3-member panel (HC qualified) to confirm "unlawful" status	Limited judicial oversight

III. Critical Analysis

• Security Imperative:
  • Addresses Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW) (ideological subversion)
  • Counters urban support networks sustaining rural Naxalism
• Civil Liberty Risks:
  • Vague definitions → Potential misuse against activists/journalists
  • Pre-trial property seizure exceeds UAPA/PMLA safeguards
  • Dilutes due process (contrary to DK Basu guidelines)
• Legal Overlap: Duplicates existing laws (UAPA, IPC) → Raises federalism questions

Next Steps: Bill pending with Legislative Council & Governor's assent → Potential judicial review.