The Goa government has notified the implementation of the National Security Act (NSA) for a period of three months, granting district authorities enhanced powers to maintain public order and internal security.
Under the notification, District Magistrates (DMs) have been empowered to detain history-sheeters and habitual offenders under preventive custody for extended durations, if their activities are deemed a threat to public peace or national security.
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Officials said the move is aimed at curbing rising incidents of organized and repeat criminal activity across the state. The NSA allows preventive detention of individuals for up to 12 months, with periodic review by an advisory board, if necessary.
While the government maintains the decision is a precautionary measure to ensure law and order, civil rights advocates have urged authorities to exercise the powers judiciously and prevent misuse.
The notification will remain in force for three months, after which the state may decide whether to extend or withdraw the NSA provisions based on the prevailing security situation.
