Daily News Analysis ‘Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967’ :15 June

About Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA):

• 1967: Introduced to prevent unlawful activities, to counter the terrorism, and safeguard India’s sovereignty.
• The law applies to both Indian and foreign nationals across India.
• The Central government is given absolute power by the Act.

• 2004 amendment of UAPA:

• • It includes “terrorist act” in its list of offences and allows banning organizations for terrorist activities.
  • Until 2004, “unlawful” activities referred to actions related to secession and territory cession.

• 2019 amendment of UAPA

• • The amendment allows the Central Government to designate individuals as terrorists.
  • It allows the Director-General, NIA to approve property seizures during investigations.
  • It authorizes NIA officers of Inspector rank or above to investigate terrorism cases, previously limited to Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Why in the News?

• The Delhi Lieutenant-Governor has approved the prosecution of author-activist Arundhati Roy and Kashmiri professor Dr. Hussain under the UAPA.