Delhi LG Sanctions Prosecution of Arundhati Roy Under UAPA: A Controversial Move Sparks Outrage

The Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG), Vinai Kumar Saxena, has sanctioned the prosecution of renowned author Arundhati Roy under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This decision, based on a complaint filed by the Delhi Police, has sparked widespread outrage and concerns about the suppression of dissent and the weaponization of the UAPA against critical voices.

The case revolves around a speech delivered by Roy in 2021, where she allegedly made remarks deemed “seditious” and “anti-national” by the complainant. The UAPA, originally intended to tackle terrorism, has been increasingly used in recent years against individuals and organizations accused of engaging in “anti-national” activities, often with limited evidence and lack of transparency.

Critics argue that this move is a blatant attempt to silence dissent and intimidate individuals who dare to challenge the status quo. They point to the lack of concrete evidence against Roy and the overreach of the UAPA as reasons for concern. The use of such draconian laws against a prominent author like Roy is seen as a dangerous precedent, further eroding freedom of expression in India.

Keywords:

Arundhati Roy
Delhi LG
Vinai Kumar Saxena
UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act)
Sedition
Anti-National
Suppression of Dissent
Weaponization of UAPA
Freedom of Expression
Dissent
Overreach
Transparency
India