Delhi LG approves prosecution of Arundhati Roy under UAPA

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of author and activist Arundhati Roy under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for her comments on Kashmir made during a 2010 event.

The approval also extends to Sheikh Showkat Hussain, a former Professor of International Law at Central University of Kashmir. The FIR against Roy and Hussain originated from a complaint filed by social activist Sushil Pandit on October 28, 2010, and was ordered by a Metropolitan Magistrate court in New Delhi.

Roy and Hussain allegedly made provocative speeches at the conference "Azadi - The Only Way" held on October 21, 2010, at LTG Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi. The speeches allegedly advocated for the separation of Kashmir from India, according to Raj Bhavan officials.

Other participants at the event included Kashmiri separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, former Delhi University lecturer SAR Geelani, and activist Varavara Rao, all of whom have since passed away.

Pandit had initially sought the court's direction for a police investigation, leading to the registration of the FIR in November 2010.

In October 2023, Raj Bhavan granted sanction to prosecute the accused under section 196 of the CrPC for offences punishable under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. These sections include 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 153B (assertions prejudicial to national integration), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).