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New Delhi, A coalition of prominent rights activists and lawyers convened at a public meeting in New Delhi to advocate for the abolition of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), which they describe as draconian, and to demand the release of all individuals detained under its provisions.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the event, held at the Press Club of India and organized by Jan Hastakshep, an anti-fascist forum, focused on the impact of oppressive laws like the UAPA on democracy in India, particularly during the ongoing critical parliamentary elections. The speakers, including noted legal professionals and academics, argued that such laws undermine constitutional rights and have no place in a democratic society.
Dr. Anoop Saraya chaired the meeting, which featured discussions on the broader implications of the UAPA on the judicial system. Advocate Gonzalves raised concerns about internal conflicts within the judiciary and its role in safeguarding democratic freedoms, citing several Supreme Court and high court rulings that have sparked debates over judicial independence.
Advocate Parikh addressed the shifting landscape of criminal jurisprudence in India, noting that the current legal framework allows for charging individuals under terrorism-related legislation without the commission of an actual terror act. He called for a grassroots movement to repeal these laws instead of relying on judicial interventions alone.
Further comparisons with international legal standards were drawn by Advocate Shahrukh Alam, who pointed out significant discrepancies in how laws are enforced and how civil liberties are protected in India versus other democracies.
Professor Nandini Sundar strongly criticized the government’s application of the UAPA, suggesting it is often used more to stifle dissent than to combat terrorism. She highlighted several cases where individuals were labeled as terrorists merely for asserting their democratic rights.
The meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of a resolution calling for the immediate abolition of the UAPA and the release of all individuals detained under the act, signaling a robust push from civil society to reform India’s legal and judicial approach to national security and civil freedoms.