India, Sept. 9 -- The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra government to submit its response to petitions filed by political parties and trade unions challenging the controversial Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2025, which was enacted to curb the activities of "left-wing extremist" organisations.

The petitioners include the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party of India, and the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC). On Tuesday, when the petitions came up for hearing, senior advocate Navroz Seervai, appearing for the AITUC, submitted that the Act had incorporated drastic provisions with far-reaching consequences, including powers to confiscate properties and evict people from their homes.

A division b...