Indian Polity & Constitution, Security Issues
In News: Barshashree Buragohain, a 19-year-old college student was arrested in Assam and charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act after the district police took suo motu cognizance of a post updated on her Facebook profile.
- Police claim she had expressed support for ULFA-I, a banned organization.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
- It was enacted to provide for more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations, and for dealing with terrorist activities.
- It was amended in the years 2004, 2008, 2013, and 2019 to add certain provisions relating to various facets of terrorism.
Key provisions:
- Both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged.
- It is applicable even if the offence is committed outside India.
- A charge sheet can be filed in maximum 180 days after the arrests.
- The investigation has to be completed within 90 days and if not, the accused is eligible for default bail.
- A Special Court under the UAPA conducts trials.
UAPA (Amendment), 2019
- Union government may designate an individual or an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it:
- commits or participates in acts of terrorism,
- prepares for terrorism,
- promotes terrorism, or
- is otherwise involved in terrorism.
- The investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA): Under the provisions of the Act, investigation of cases can be conducted by officers of the rank of DSP or ACP or above.
- It additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.
- Approval of Director- General for seizure of property if the investigation is conducted by an officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Insertion to the schedule of treaties:
- The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts committed within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule to the Act.
- The Schedule lists nine treaties, comprising of the Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (1997), and the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979).
- Amendment adds another treaty to this list namely, the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005).
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2018)
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
