Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has approved the prosecution of novelist Arundhati Roy for allegedly making controversial statements during a 2010 gathering encouraging Kashmiri separatism. Raj Niwas officials declared that this action is being conducted in accordance with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967. Section 13 prohibits advocating, abetting, or instigating any unlawful behavior and carries a seven-year prison sentence.
Details about the Case
The event in question was held in New Delhi at the LTG auditorium under the title “Azadi – The Only Way.” Along with Ms. Roy, Sheikh Showkat Hussain, a former Professor of International Law at the Central University of Kashmir, is being charged under UAPA for statements made at the same event.
Background
In October 2010, a FIR was filed against Ms. Roy and Dr. Hussain in response to Sushil Pandit’s complaint. The Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in New Delhi issued the directives that prompted this action. The other two accused in the case, Kashmiri separatist leader Sayed Ali Shah Geelani and Delhi University lecturer Syed Abdul Rahman Geelani, died during the hearings.
Previous Sanctions.
Last year, the L-G permitted prosecution under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. The sections include:
Section 124-A: sedition
Section 153-A: Promoting animosity between various groups on the basis of religion, race, or language
Section 153-B: Imputations harmful to national integration
Section 504: Intentional insult with the intent to incite breach of peace.
Section 505: Statements conducing to public mischief
Present-Day Advancements
In this 14-year-old case, the L-G’s recent approval of prosecution under the UAPA is a noteworthy milestone. It emphasizes how seriously the authorities are taking the claims made by Dr. Hussain and Ms. Roy during the 2010 event.
The decision to prosecute under the UAPA and the prior IPC punishments point to a comprehensive legal strategy to combat the purported encouragement of illegal activity and separatist sentiment.
Conclusion
This development highlights the legal proceedings taken to address issues of public order and national security relating to statements made by Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain over ten years ago, and it represents a turning point in the long-running lawsuit against them.
Source: Delhi LG grants sanction to prosecute Arundhati Roy under UAPA – The Hindu
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