Opposition questions UAPA bill in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Several opposition parties in Rajya Sabha opposed the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) Amendment Bill, 2019, when it was tabled in the house on Thursday.

Parties including Congress Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and MDMK came against the bill that enables the government to name individuals as terrorists

MPs argued that the provisions in the bill could be used against anybody opposing the government.

Kapil Sibal said the government would be able to pass the bill through its majority in LS and its “manufactured majority” in RS, but courts would strike down.

Sibal asked at what stage an individual would be termed as terrorist: at the time of arrest, while filing the charge sheet or after the completion of the trail.

“And if he is already being tried for a terrorist offence, you cannot declare him as a terrorist as legally a person is innocent till proven guilty. The Bill will be challenged in court and struck down, it’s better you send it to a select committee,” Mr. Sibal was quoted as saying.

Home Minister Amit Shah will reply on Friday to the points raised during the discussions as it concludes on Friday.