In a democracy, dissent is not a threat—it’s a right. But what happens when governments begin equating criticism with crime? In this powerful episode of News That Matters, Neeraj unpacks the controversial Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, a legislation that could change the way we understand free speech, protests, and public accountability in India. The bill claims to target “Urban Naxals”—a term widely used to brand intellectuals, journalists, students, and human rights activists who question government policies. But who defines an Urban Naxal? With no legal clarity or formal definition, this label is now being legally weaponized to curb dissent. From preventive arrests without warrants to criminalizing mere expressions of disagreement, this bill empowers police and state authorities to act unchecked, putting fundamental rights at risk. Drawing on real cases like Umar Khalid’s prolonged imprisonment, Gauri Lankesh’s assassination, and the death of Father Stan Swamy, this episode explores how freedom of expression is increasingly under attack.