A petition challenging some sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was heard in the Delhi High Court. This petition has been filed by the Foundation of Media. During the hearing, the senior lawyer told the court that criticizing the government is completely justified in a democracy. As long as it does not promote violence.
Gave this argument?
He argued that it is wrong to impose UAPA considering only criticism of government policies as dissatisfaction against the country. According to him, the word disaffection is not clearly defined in the law, which creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty especially among journalists. Some sections of UAPA are very vague and limit the freedom of citizens.
Hearing of the case going on in Delhi High Court
The bench of Chief Justice and Justice Tejas Karia of Delhi High Court is hearing this case. The petitioners say that Section 2(1)(o)(iii) of UAPA is very vague and can be misused. Besides, the ban on anticipatory bail and strict provisions on bail in the law also limit the freedom of citizens.
What does the lawyer say?
The lawyer told the court that many journalists have been in jail for a long time just for criticizing government policies. He said that if a person criticizes a policy and it does not incite violence, then it cannot be considered illegal. This is the real spirit of democracy.
Supreme Court has sent the case to Delhi High Court
In this case, those sections of UAPA have also been challenged. In which the power has been given to declare individuals as terrorists and confiscate property. This matter was earlier in the Supreme Court. Which was later sent to Delhi High Court. The court has fixed the next hearing on March 17.
