Renowned Author Arundhati Roy Faces UAPA Trial For Kashmir Separation Speech

Arundhati Roy, a well-known author, is set to be tried under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly advocating Kashmir’s separation from India. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved the prosecution of Roy following a complaint filed by Hindu activist Sushil Pandit on October 28, 2010.

Allegations Against Arundhati Roy

The case against Arundhati Roy stems from her speech at a conference titled “Azadi – The Only Way” held on October 21, 2010, in New Delhi. Alongside other speakers, Roy was accused of advocating Kashmir’s independence and asserting that it was never part of India, urging efforts for its separation.

FIR and Investigation

An FIR was registered under Section 156(3) of the CrPC, leading to an investigation initiated by the court’s order dated November 27, 2010.

Prosecution Under UAPA

The LG has granted prosecution sanction under IPC section 45(1) of the UAPA against Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain. Earlier, in October 2023, sanction was granted under IPC sections 196 for offences under sections 153A, 153B, and 505 of the IPC.

Understanding UAPA

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is aimed at preventing unlawful activities and associations within India, providing authorities with powers to address threats to the nation’s integrity and sovereignty.