On Friday(on 14th June),Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and former Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the UAPA for allegedly making provocative speeches at a 2010 event. The FIR was registered based on the Court of Metropolitan Magistrate’s orders, according to Raj Niwas officials.
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DELHI: Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has given the green light to prosecute acclaimed author Arundhati Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly making provocative speeches at an event in 2010.
This decision was confirmed by officials from Raj Niwas on Friday(on 14th June).
The case against Roy and Hussain originates from a complaint filed by Sushil Pandit, a social activist from Kashmir, on October 28, 2010. Acting on this complaint, the Court of Metropolitan Magistrate in New Delhi ordered the registration of an FIR against the two individuals.
“Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of Arundhati Roy and Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain, former Professor of International Law at the Central University of Kashmir, under Section 45(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.”
-stated a Raj Niwas official on Friday.
The accusations against Roy and Hussain are linked to their speeches delivered during an event in 2010, which allegedly contained inflammatory content. The speeches reportedly stirred controversies and were perceived as provocative, leading to legal action under the UAPA. This act is one of the primary legal frameworks in India aimed at preventing unlawful activities and terrorism.
The 2010 event, which has now led to this significant legal action, involved discussions and speeches that some deemed as inciting unrest. The specifics of these speeches, while not detailed in the initial complaint, were enough to prompt legal scrutiny and subsequent actions.
The FIR, now leading to the prosecution, was based on Pandit’s allegations that the speeches by Roy and Hussain were not only provocative but also potentially harmful to national integrity and public order. The UAPA, known for its stringent measures against activities deemed as a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India, forms the basis of this prosecution.
There has been no immediate reaction from Arundhati Roy or Sheikh Showkat Hussain regarding the sanction for their prosecution. Roy, an internationally renowned author known for her outspoken views, and Hussain, a respected academic, now face a legal battle under one of India’s most severe laws dealing with unlawful activities.
last October, the Lieutenant Governor granted sanction to prosecute two individuals under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This action was taken in connection with offences punishable under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), namely 153A, 153B, and 505.
Section 153A pertains to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, and engaging in acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony. Section 153B involves imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration, while Section 505 deals with statements conducing to public mischief.
The individuals in question, Roy and Hussain, allegedly delivered provocative speeches at a conference organized under the banner of ‘Azadi – The Only Way’ on October 21, 2010, at the LTG Auditorium, Copernicus Marg. The event has since garnered significant attention due to its controversial nature and the statements made therein.
According to an official source-
“The topics discussed and speeches made at the conference advocated for the separation of Kashmir from India.”
This statement underscores the gravity of the allegations and the potential impact of such rhetoric on national unity and integration.
The speeches made by Roy and Hussain have been scrutinized for their potential to incite divisions and foster enmity among different groups. The use of sections 153A and 153B of the IPC highlights the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the matter, as these sections specifically address actions that threaten social harmony and national cohesion.
Furthermore, the invocation of Section 505 of the IPC underscores the concern that the statements made could lead to public mischief, thereby endangering public order and safety. The prosecution’s emphasis on this section indicates a broader concern for maintaining peace and preventing the spread of disruptive and inflammatory messages.
Key Speakers at the Conference
The conference saw speeches from several notable figures, each known for their outspoken views and controversial stances. Those who delivered speeches included:
- Syed Ali Shah Geelani: A prominent separatist leader from Kashmir, known for his advocacy of the region’s independence from India.
- SAR Geelani: The anchor of the conference and a prime accused in the infamous Parliament attack case, SAR Geelani has been a figure of significant controversy.
- Arundhati Roy: An internationally acclaimed author and activist, Roy is known for her vocal criticism of the Indian government’s policies, particularly regarding Kashmir.
- Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain: An academic and commentator on Kashmir issues, Dr. Hussain’s perspectives often challenge the mainstream narratives.
- Varavara Rao: A well-known poet and activist, Rao has been associated with various leftist movements and has faced multiple legal battles over the years.
The complainant took legal action by filing a complaint under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). This section allows a magistrate to direct the police to investigate a cognizable offense.
The complaint was submitted to the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in New Delhi. On November 27, 2010, the court disposed of the complaint with specific directions. The court ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) to formally initiate an investigation into the allegations raised.
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Following the court’s directive, an FIR was registered, and the authorities commenced an investigation.
“Consequently, an FIR was registered and an investigation was conducted,”
– sources confirmed.
The registration of the FIR marks the beginning of a formal legal process, which will involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and potentially prosecuting those found to have violated the law. The investigation’s outcomes could have significant implications, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the sensitive topics discussed at the conference.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s advocacy for Kashmir’s independence, SAR Geelani’s controversial past, Arundhati Roy’s outspoken activism, Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain’s challenging perspectives, and Varavara Rao’s leftist affiliations collectively paint a picture of a highly charged event. Each of these figures brings their unique viewpoint, contributing to a broader discourse that often conflicts with official narratives.
