PEOPLES UNION FOR DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS (PUDR)

Public Meeting Invite

Eroded Democracy: The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) & Political Trials

Speakers: Arun Ferreira (Committee for the Protection of Democratic Rights, Mumbai), Sharfuddin Ahmed (People’s Movement Against UAPA, Kerala), Gautam Navlakha (People’s Union for Democratic Rights, Delhi)

 Date: 23rd April 2017, Time: 3.45 pm onwards, Venue: Auditorium, Indian Social Institute, 10, Institutional Area, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110003 (Near Sai temple)

When ideologies contrary to or critical of those espoused by the State thrive on the basis of mass support, the State attempts to scuttle all voices in support of these ideologies. In such a situation, all people associated with or deemed to be associated with struggles are declared 'anti-nationals' or 'insurgents'. Fundamental freedoms and democratic rights such as speaking, writing, thinking, reading, participating or organising in favour of the struggles are also targetted. People are put behind bars. In this context, draconian and biased laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 are put to use by the State. The UAPA is one of those black laws of the country which is in blatant disregard of the Constitutional rights and makes the struggle for enforcing Democratic Rights one step difficult. Under this law, basic norms of the Criminal Justice System meant for safeguarding rights of the Accused are also kept at abeyance. Thousands of Adivasis, Kashmiris, North-Eastern people in the Armed Conflict Areas and Muslims who have been declared terrorists even before completion of trials have become routine sufferers of this draconian law today. The judgment delivered by the Gadchiroli Sessions Court on 7th March 2017 wherein 6 persons were convicted for life under provisions of UAPA is a stark example of the abovesaid.

In this context, PUDR is organising a meeting on UAPA. The discussion will revolve around the history of UAPA, its provisions, its application on ground. Attempt will be to understand how this law is being used to proscribe or ban organisations and to incarcerate political activists. It is hoped that the discussion will help us run a focussed campaign around the repeal of UAPA and the release of Political Prisoners.

PUDR invites you and your organisation to participate in the discussion.

Anushka Singh, Cijo Joy

Secretaries, PUDR

Contact – 9818405329