NCP chief Sharad Pawar criticized Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's recent decision to prosecute author Arundhati Roy under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for an alleged provocative speech made 14 years ago. The NCP chief described the move as a "misuse of power" during a joint press conference with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan. Along with Roy, former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain has also been named in the FIR for the controversial conference which allegedly advocated for the separation of Kashmir from India.
Background:
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a controversial Indian law that allows the government to designate individuals and organizations as "terrorists" and detain them without trial for up to 180 days. The law has been criticized for its broad definition of terrorism, which has led to the arrest and prosecution of activists, journalists, and other dissenting voices.
Current Event:
On February 23, 2023, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered the prosecution of renowned author Arundhati Roy under UAPA for an alleged provocative speech she made at a conference in 2009. The speech was titled "Azadi: Freedom. Fascism. Fiction." and allegedly advocated for the separation of Kashmir from India.
Response from NCP Chief Sharad Pawar:
NCP chief Sharad Pawar strongly criticized Saxena's decision, calling it a "misuse of power." Pawar spoke alongside Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan at a joint press conference.
Pawar argued that Roy's speech did not amount to terrorism and that the use of UAPA against her was a dangerous precedent. He also said that the move was an attempt to stifle dissent and opposition to the government.
Other Reactions:
Roy has also condemned the charges, saying that she will not be silenced. She has vowed to fight the case in court.
Human rights groups have also expressed concern over the use of UAPA against Roy. Amnesty International called it "a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence a prominent critic of the government."
FAQs:
1. What is the UAPA? The UAPA is an Indian law that allows the government to designate individuals and organizations as "terrorists" and detain them without trial for up to 180 days.
2. Why is Arundhati Roy being prosecuted under UAPA? Roy is being prosecuted for an alleged provocative speech she made at a conference in 2009 that was interpreted as advocating for the separation of Kashmir from India.
3. What has been the reaction to Roy's prosecution? Human rights groups and opposition leaders have condemned the prosecution as a misuse of power and an attempt to stifle dissent.
4. What are the potential consequences if Roy is convicted? Roy could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted under UAPA.
5. What is the significance of Pawar's criticism? Pawar's criticism is significant because he is a senior and respected opposition leader. His statement reflects a growing concern among opposition parties over the misuse of UAPA by the government.
After deciding to vacate the Budgam Assembly seat, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has officially announced that he will be representing the Ganderbal constituency. He expressed his gratitude towards the people of Budgam and promised to continue working for them over the next five years. This move marks the end of the six-year period when J&K didn't have an Assembly and the NC, with support from other parties, will continue to hold the majority in the 95-member Assembly.
After 26 days of fasting, activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters have finally ended their protest after receiving assurance from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding talks on Ladakh's demands. The protest was organized by Wangchuk and others to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which aims to protect its cultural and environmental heritage. The Ministry has assured that the high-powered committee, which was holding talks with representatives from Ladakh, will resume discussions on December 3.
Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India, is known for his progressive judgements and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution. With a legacy inherited from his father, the longest-serving CJI, Justice Chandrachud has become one of the most influential and respected judges in the Supreme Court. Notably, his lead judgement in the historic right to privacy case and his stance against the criminalisation of same-sex relations under Section 377 have solidified his reputation as a champion of individual rights and liberties.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has expressed his confidence in becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka again before 2028. He highlighted his previous 14-month stint as CM, promising to use his experience to deliver good governance if he gets a full five-year term. Kumaraswamy also criticized the current Congress government, urging the people to give him a chance to implement his plans for the state's prosperity.
Supreme Court Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud shared his experiences working on the controversial Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute case, stating that it was a difficult case to adjudicate. He revealed that he even prayed to God to help find a solution. This statement was made during his address to a gathering in a village in Khed taluka. Soon after, the 5-judge bench, led by Justice Chandrachud, delivered the verdict in November 2019, allowing the construction of a Ram Temple on the disputed site. The judge also mentioned that regular prayers and faith can lead to finding a solution in challenging cases.
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, accused US President Joe Biden of using nuclear arms talks as a ploy to gain electoral points for Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris. Lavrov also revealed that Moscow is against engaging in strategic stability talks without preconditions, as urged by the US, in order to prevent any unilateral military advantages. This comes ahead of the upcoming US presidential elections on November 5, in which Harris was selected as the Democratic nominee after Biden's withdrawal following a controversial televised debate with Republican nominee Donald Trump.
In a recent case at the Kerala High Court, an FIR against a university director accused of sexually harassing a female student during a youth festival was quashed. The court held that the physical contact that occurred was not sexual in nature, but rather part of a resistance effort to maintain discipline. The petitioner argued that the FIR was filed with malicious intent due to a delay in filing and strict event guidelines implemented by the university. The court cautioned the petitioner against any retaliatory measures that may hinder the complainant's studies.
Police sources have revealed that the Delhi Police is investigating a possible Khalistani link in the blast near a CRPF school in Rohini on Monday. This comes as a response to a group claiming responsibility for the explosion, as the police have sought details from messaging app Telegram. The blast caused damage to property but no injuries were reported, with an FIR mentioning the discovery of a "white powder" and CCTV footage of a suspect being recovered.
The 65th state-level Police Commemoration Day was observed in Chandigarh, where Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav paid homage to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation. Addressing the gathering, DGP Yadav highlighted the bravery and courage of the Punjab Police, and their efforts in maintaining peace and rooting out militancy. He also discussed the measures being taken to combat street crime and drug sales, and assured support to the families of martyrs.
The Supreme Court has put a hold on the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights' directive to discontinue funding for Madrasa Boards, following a plea filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind. The plea argued that the NCPCR's action was discriminatory and unconstitutional, and violated several fundamental rights. The Commission, which is responsible for protecting children's rights across India, had recommended that non-Muslim children enrolled in madrasas be moved to mainstream schools under the RTE Act of 2009.