Author Arundhati Roy Faces Prosecution Under India's Anti-Terror Law for 2010 Kashmir Remarks

Indian author Arundhati Roy faces UAPA charges for 2010 remarks on Kashmir, signaling a crackdown on dissent against the BJP government, sparking international condemnation.

on Jul 10, 2024

Author Arundhati Roy Faces Prosecution Under India's Anti-Terror Law for 2010 Kashmir Remarks

Renowned Indian author Arundhati Roy, celebrated for her literary achievements and human rights activism, is now confronting legal action under India's stringent anti-terrorism law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This move comes following Delhi's Lieutenant-Governor's approval, bypassing standard criminal provisions due to the statute of limitations. Originally charged under IPC sections for remarks made in 2010 on Kashmir, which were legally untenable due to time lapse, Roy now faces UAPA charges that carry harsher penalties, potentially resulting in up to seven years in prison.

The UAPA's restrictive bail provisions have been used by Indian authorities to detain individuals for extended periods without trial, often based on dubious evidence. Although there's been no immediate arrest warrant, Roy's prosecution signals a broader crackdown on dissent, particularly critics of the ruling BJP government. The case has drawn international condemnation, with calls to drop charges from the UN Human Rights Office and over 200 Indian academics and activists.

Roy's vocal critiques of Indian policies in Kashmir and her stance on international issues, including Palestine, have long sparked controversy. Despite support from intellectuals and artists globally, the Indian government's pursuit of Roy under anti-terrorism laws underscores growing concerns over democratic freedoms in the country.