Maharashtra Bans 114 Terror Literature Items Citing Public Security Threat
The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has banned 114 items of literature linked to terrorist organisations, including magazines, books, and digital content. The ban, issued through a gazette notification on Thursday, covers material from groups such as the Islamic State (IS), Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
The state Home Department said intelligence inputs, cyber surveillance reports, and investigations by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) indicate these materials glorify violent extremism and jihad, promote radicalisation, and provide ideological indoctrination. The notification states that such content facilitates recruitment and incites acts prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, posing a serious threat to public order, communal harmony, and internal security.
Among the banned items are 44 issues of the magazine 'Voice of Khurasan', along with other titles like 'Why Should You Join the Islamic State' and 'Nida-e-Khurasan - 1 Urdu', all linked to the Islamic State and its various manifestations. Also banned are issues of 'The Revolutionary Resurgence', associated with the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Pir Panjal Regiment, and publications such as 'Nawai Gazawa e Hind', 'School Of Yusuf', and 'Modern Warfare', linked to Al Qaeda and AQIS.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis explained on Friday that the banned material contained content promoting radicalisation, including instructions on making bombs and carrying out lone-wolf attacks. He noted that a specific law to ban such material was previously lacking. Under the newly enacted Maharashtra Public Security Act, the government can now impose such bans and take action against those circulating the material.
The gazette notification referred to a March 2024 meeting where senior police and ATS officials informed the government about publications that needed to be forfeited due to their association with activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India. The notification says the government is satisfied that the material is linked to organisations listed in the First Schedule to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, including their associated websites, social media platforms, encrypted channels, and digital networks.
The ban has been imposed under the Maharashtra Public Security Act, which grants the state government powers to restrict material that could undermine public order or national security. The move is part of broader efforts by law enforcement agencies to counter radicalisation and prevent the spread of extremist propaganda.
While the government maintains that the action is necessary to protect national security and communal harmony, civil liberties groups have previously expressed concerns about such bans potentially curbing freedom of expression. However, the notification stresses that the banned material goes beyond legitimate discourse, actively promoting violence and unlawful activities.
This is the first major action under the new security law, and it signals the state's intent to tighten oversight of extremist content. Officials have indicated that further measures may follow, including monitoring digital platforms and social media channels for similar propaganda material.
