Explained: Why is UAPA a draconian law?

Why do people charged under this law often find themselves without legal recourse?

WrittenBy:NL Team
Date:
   
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You may lately have come across stories of activists and journalists being charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, or UAPA. The UAPA is an anti-terrorism law which has been used against activists associated with the Bhima-Koregaon movement, the citizenship law protesters, and even a journalist on his way to cover the Hathras rape and murder.

How is this law draconian and why do people arrested under it often find themselves without legal recourse after ending up in jail?

Meghnad S takes you through the history of the UAPA, its evolution from an anti-secession legislation to being an anti-terrorism law, and how it has been misused by successive governments.

Watch.

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