New Delhi, Jun 11 (PTI) – The Congress has leveled accusations against the Narendra Modi-led government, claiming an assault on dissent and alleging widespread misuse of laws such as the UAPA to suppress free expression, as part of what it describes as a broader attack by the BJP on the Indian Constitution.
The opposition party targeted the government by highlighting several high-profile cases, including those involving Anand Teltumbde, Nodeep Kaur, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Prabir Purkayastha, and Amit Chakravarty.
Pawan Khera, head of Congress’ media and publicity department, asserted on the social media platform X: "Under the Modi regime, laws have been manipulated to stifle dissent and delay justice. From 2014 to 2022, 8,719 cases under UAPA concluded with a mere 2.55% conviction rate, demonstrating its usage against critics, students, journalists, and activists."
Khera added: "There is a pre-trial presumption of guilt, trials driven by social and mainstream media, and the Supreme Court's growing trend of dismissing habeas corpus petitions, which are all exacerbating the crisis in our justice system."
He noted that Anand Teltumbde, Nodeep Kaur, and Mahesh Raut were apprehended under the UAPA in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case. Teltumbde was released after three years, Kaur was granted bail in the same year despite allegations of custodial mistreatment, while Mahesh Raut continues to remain imprisoned since 2018.
"Student activists like Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and Safoora Zargar were detained under UAPA for alleged roles in anti-CAA protests. Khalid and Imam have been jailed since 2020," Khera stated.
The Congress leader further argued that journalists Fahad Shah and Irfan Mehraj were similarly arrested under the UAPA for their journalistic activities.
"In 2023, Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty were detained concerning a foreign funding case tied to NewsClick. Although Fahad Shah was released after 600 days, the others continue to languish in their cells," Khera remarked.
He contended that these instances represent only a portion of a deeper systemic issue.
"In truth, many of these cases appear to be acts of vendetta against those who oppose the government. The courts have repeatedly highlighted this abuse, as evidenced when the Delhi High Court declared 'Protest cannot be terrorism,' leading to the release of Devangana Kalita, Natasha Narwal, and Asif Tanha. The Supreme Court also freed journalist Zubair and climate activist Disha Ravi while criticizing their arrests as efforts to suppress free speech," Khera claimed.
Reflecting on India's democratic principles, Khera emphasized: "Safeguarding India's democracy starts with defending peaceful dissent and free expression. Yet, the misuse of UAPA threatens these very rights and is part of the BJP's larger assault on the Indian Constitution."
He also referenced an article penned by Khalid during his time in Tihar jail.
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