Delhi L-G grants nod to prosecute Arundhati Roy in UAPA case

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has granted sanction to prosecute author Arundhati Roy under the UAPA for her alleged provocative speech at an event in 2010, according to PTI.

“Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of Arundhati Roy and former Professor of International Law in Central University of Kashmir, Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain, under section 45 (1) of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the case,” a Raj Niwas official told the news agency.

In October last year, the L-G had granted his nod to prosecute Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain under section 196 of CrPC for offences punishable under the IPC.

Among those who made speeches at the event were late Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, SAR Geelani and Varavara Rao. It was alleged that Geelani and Roy asserted that Kashmir was never part of India and was forcibly occupied and every effort should be made for its independence.

The complainant, Sushil Pandit, had filed a complaint under Section 156(3) of CrPC before the Metropolitan Magistrate Court, who disposed of the complaint on November 27, 2010 with the directions to register an FIR.

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