||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 16, 2024||

Srinagar: In a controversial move, the prosecution sanction against renowned author Arundhati Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has sparked a wave of criticism from major political entities in Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned the decision, highlighting concerns over free speech and the misuse of anti-terror laws.

The case dates back to a 2010 event in Delhi, where Roy and Hussain allegedly made provocative speeches at a conference titled ‘Azadi – The Only Way’ held on October 21 at LTG Auditorium. Following the orders of the Court of Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi, an FIR was registered against them on October 28, 2010, based on a complaint by social activist Sushil Pandit. The recent sanction for their prosecution by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has reignited the debate over the suppression of dissent in India.

National Conference Voices Strong Disapproval…

The National Conference expressed its vehement opposition to the prosecution of Roy and Hussain, emphasizing the fundamental right to free speech as enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution. “The NC expresses its strong disapproval of the prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the UAPA. The use of anti-terror laws to suppress dissent and criminalize speech is deeply concerning,” the party stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The NC also pointed out the significant delay in the prosecution, noting that 14 years have passed since the alleged speeches were made. “In the intervening years, the speech has been all but forgotten and didn’t vitiate the atmosphere in J&K,” the NC remarked, questioning the purpose of the prosecution which it sees as a demonstration of the “hardline stance of the BJP/Union Government” despite their recent electoral setbacks.

PDP’s Outrage: ‘A Rampage Against Fundamental Rights’…

PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her shock over the sanction to prosecute Roy and Hussain. “Shocking that Arundhati Roy, world-renowned author and a brave woman who has emerged as a powerful voice against fascism, has been booked under the draconian UAPA,” she said on X. Mufti accused the central government of violating fundamental rights with impunity and described the prosecution of a former law professor from Kashmir as an act of frustration.

Iltija Mufti, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter and media adviser, also expressed her alarm. “Equally worrying that it also includes Dr. Sheikh Showkat, a former Professor of Law from Kashmir. What is becoming of India? Might as well turn this country into an open-air prison,” she posted on X, encapsulating the broader sentiment of dismay and concern over the trajectory of civil liberties in the country.

A Delayed Prosecution: Questions Over Timing and Intent…

The FIR against Roy and Hussain was registered soon after the event in 2010, but the sanction for prosecution has only now been accorded. This prolonged delay raises questions about the timing and intent behind the recent actions. Critics argue that reviving such an old case serves no substantial purpose and instead appears to be a political maneuver to stifle dissenting voices.

The National Conference and the PDP’s strong reactions underscore the growing unease over the use of stringent laws like the UAPA to target individuals expressing dissenting opinions. As the debate continues, the prosecution of Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain stands as a significant flashpoint in the ongoing struggle over free speech and human rights in India.