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.
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor has given approval for the prosecution of acclaimed author Arundhati Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain for allegedly making provocative speeches at an event in New Delhi back in 2010. The FIR against them was registered following a complaint made by a social activist, who accused them of discussing and promoting the separation of Kashmir from India.
The state's recent invocation of the stringent UAPA charges against author-activist Arundhati Roy and Central University of Kashmir professor Dr Sheikh Showkat Hussain, 14 years after the FIR was first registered, has raised concerns about bypassing the statute of limitation. In addition to IPC charges, the state has also imposed UAPA charges, which grant them more powers and allow them to relax timelines for filing chargesheets and impose strict conditions for bail. This move is crucial for the case to be accepted by the court, especially due to the stay on the sedition law by the Supreme Court.
Delhi Lt Governor V K Saxena has given prosecution sanction against author Arundhati Roy and a former professor in Kashmir for allegedly making provocative speeches promoting the separation of Kashmir from India at an event in 2010. The FIR against them was registered on the complaint of a social activist and the issues discussed at the conference included calls for secession and were attended by controversial figures. This decision has sparked reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.
Popular Tamil actress Arundhathi Nair, known for her role in the film Saithan, was involved in a major hit-and-run bike accident while returning from an interview. Currently in critical condition and on ventilator support, her friend and fellow actor Gopika Anil has sought financial help to cover her medical expenses. As her fans and followers rally to support her, sources say this may prompt her colleague Tamilisai Soundararajan to run for Lok Sabha.