New Delhi: At a symposium titled “Scrap UAPA, Restore Democracy,” leading lawyers, activists, historians, and academics demanded the repeal of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and similar laws. The event, organised by the Welfare Party of India at the Constitution Club of India, echoed a unified call for restoring constitutional freedoms and protecting democratic institutions.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan warned of increasing pressure on judicial independence. He alleged that government agencies prepare dossiers on judges and their families to intimidate them, undermining judicial courage. He urged citizens to hold both the government and judiciary accountable through strong public opinion.
On the electoral front, Bhushan accused the Election Commission of enabling manipulation, citing disenfranchisement of Muslims and irregularities in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He insisted that non-violent public opinion is the only safeguard against the collapse of democratic institutions.
Zafar-ul-Islam Khan, president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, highlighted how harsh laws have multiplied since Independence. He compared the UAPA to repealed laws like MISA, TADA, and POTA, arguing that it is harsher and more dangerous. According to him, such laws are used to intimidate communities rather than protect the nation. He called for mass resistance, stressing that freedom requires sacrifice and protest.
Historian Ashok Kumar Pande reminded the audience that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest. He warned against criminalising dissent, pointing to cases where critics of the Citizenship Amendment Act or those raising demands in Ladakh were branded as traitors. He added that no authority is permanent, urging people to defend the system before it collapses.
Human rights activist John Dayal described UAPA as a political weapon against minorities and dissenters. He noted that the law equates peaceful protests with terrorism, denies bail, and allows indefinite detention. He cited examples of Muslims during the Delhi riots, Christians accused of conversions, and Adivasis resisting land grabs being unfairly targeted. He pointed to international reports highlighting UAPA’s discriminatory application.
SQR Ilyas, national general secretary of the Welfare Party, called UAPA a “black law” that presumes guilt and destroys lives. He warned that wrongful imprisonment has become widespread, while those filing false cases face no consequences. He argued that democracy cannot survive under repression.
The symposium closed with a clear consensus: UAPA and similar laws are incompatible with democracy. Speakers agreed that only peaceful, collective resistance will safeguard constitutional rights and revive democratic accountability.
