New Delhi, June 14: Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has granted approval to prosecute author Arundhati Roy under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for her alleged involvement in making provocative speeches at an event in 2010. Alongside Roy, former Central University of Kashmir professor Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain will also face prosecution under the same act.
The sanction was granted under Section 45 (1) of the UAPA, as confirmed by a Raj Niwas official, following a complaint initially lodged by social activist Sushil Pandit on October 28, 2010. The FIR against Roy and Hussain was registered following the orders of the Court of Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi.
The controversial speeches in question were made at a conference on October 21, 2010, where Roy and Hussain, along with other speakers, allegedly discussed topics advocating the separation of Kashmir from India. This event prompted the court on November 27, 2010, to direct the registration of an FIR, which subsequently led to an investigation.
Other individuals who spoke at the conference included Syed Ali Shah Geelani and S A R Geelani, both of whom are now deceased, as well as Varavara Rao. The involvement of these prominent figures in the discussions has drawn significant attention and controversy over the years.
The decision to prosecute Roy and Hussain comes as part of a broader effort to address and curb activities considered threatening to national unity and security. The UAPA, under which the prosecution will occur, is a stringent anti-terrorism law aimed at preventing unlawful activities and maintaining the sovereignty and integrity of India.
This development is expected to reignite debates around free speech, dissent, and national security in India. Supporters of Roy and Hussain may argue that the prosecution is an attempt to stifle dissenting voices, while proponents of the action may assert the necessity of maintaining law and order and protecting the country’s unity.
The case will likely progress through the judicial system, where the specific charges and evidence against Roy and Hussain will be examined in detail. As it unfolds, this case will be closely watched for its implications on the balance between free expression and national security in India.
