Amendment Bill incorporating provisions of ‘Shakti’ Law passed in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly

Mumbai, March 25th – The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Maharashtra Amendment), 2026, incorporating provisions of the proposed Shakti Law aimed at combating crimes against women; including sexual harassment, assault, and defamation; was passed by a majority in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.

The amendment bill was introduced in the House on March 25th by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated 

1. In 2020, the Maharashtra Government had sent the Shakti Law Bill to the Central Government for approval. However, consent was not granted at that time as a new national law incorporating similar provisions was under consideration.

2.The Central Government has since enacted the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which includes provisions based on the Shakti Law. Out of the provisions proposed by Maharashtra, nine sections have already been incorporated into the central legislation.

3.The Maharashtra Government has now included the remaining 2 provisions; which were not part of the central law; in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Maharashtra Amendment), 2026 Bill.

“We will urge the Centre to extend these provisions to other States as well” – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

1. The bill will now be sent to the Central Government for approval, following which it will be implemented in the State.

2. Chief Minister Fadnavis further stated that Maharashtra will write to the Central Government requesting that the two additional provisions incorporated by the State also be considered for implementation across other states.

During the discussion, MLA Bhaskar Jadhav expressed concern that the law should not be misused or applied unfairly against men. Responding to this, the Chief Minister said

“A law is not meant to be used as a weapon. The government is committed to ensuring that there is no misuse of any legal provision, and necessary study and safeguards will be undertaken.”

Acts that will now be treated as offences under the 2 additional provisions

1. Revealing the identity of a victim who has suffered injuries due to an acid attack.

2. Sexual harassment by threatening to upload or circulate disturbing communications, images, audio, or video through email, social media, or any electronic or digital medium.

3. Circulating; or threatening to circulate; real or fabricated images, audio, or video depicting a woman’s participation in sexual acts, whether with or without consent.

4. Defaming a woman through electronic or any other communication medium.

5. Publishing or spreading a woman’s name, personal details, photographs, or identifying information in a manner that directly or indirectly outrages her modesty or violates her privacy.