The Senate has scheduled an emergency plenary session to deliberate on the State Police Establishment Bill, a piece of legislation that has divided opinion among governors and security chiefs for over three years.

Sources within the chamber say the renewed push follows mounting pressure from state governors who argue that community-level insecurity requires locally accountable policing structures.

Opponents of the bill maintain that state-controlled police forces risk being weaponised for political ends, particularly in states with contested electoral histories.

A committee report is expected to be tabled before the full chamber votes on whether to advance the bill to public hearing stage.