Maharashtra becomes first state to draft law for internal security

Maharashtra became the first state in the country to draft its own internal security legislation The Maharashtra Protection of Internal Security Act (MPISA), 2016. The bill has been kept public responses for suggestions and objections. Later it will be presented to the legislature for approval. Key Features of Bill It gives special emphasis on maintaining law and order and combating terrorism, insurgency, caste-related violence and

communalism in the state.

Definition of internal security: 

The situation posing threat to state within its borders, either caused or prompted, provoked or proxied by a hostile foreign power. Special Security Zones (SSZ): Proposes setting up of SSZ where movement of arms, explosives and inflow of unaccounted funds will be prohibited. SSZs will have separate police infrastructure. They will also have a command and control system, and separate Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to be followed by SSZ police. Critical Infrastructure Sectors (CIS): It includes nuclear reactors, dams, major projects, coastal areas under its ambit. Powers of police chief: He can ban or regulate the production, storage, possession, sale, or entry of (i) any devices or equipment (ii) poisonous chemical, biological or radioactive substances (iii) electronic content of potentially explosive nature (iv) any inflow of funds. Punishment: Jail term of up to three years and fine for those threatening the State’s security.