Arundhati Roy, the acclaimed Booker Prize-winning author, is set to face prosecution under stringent laws for her comments on Kashmir made in 2010. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena of the Indian capital approved the sanction for her prosecution on Friday, targeting her and Kashmiri law academic Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The charges stem from allegations of delivering “provocative speeches” at a conference held in New Delhi in 2010, where discussions purportedly advocated for the separation of Kashmir from India, according to the Press Trust of India.
The legal case against Roy and Hussain originated from a complaint filed by Sushil Pandit, a Kashmiri social activist, on October 28, 2010. Following this complaint, the Delhi police registered a case to investigate the matter. The sanction granted by Lieutenant Governor Saxena adds a significant weight to the case, enabling the authorities to proceed with prosecuting the duo under the UAPA, a law known for its strict measures against activities deemed unlawful or terrorist in nature.
Previously, Saxena’s office had sanctioned their prosecution under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, which underscores the persistent and escalating legal scrutiny faced by Roy and Hussain over their 2010 remarks. The move has sparked controversy and criticism, particularly among opposition leaders and civil rights activists.
On Saturday, Sharad Pawar, a senior leader in India’s opposition, condemned the lieutenant governor’s decision, describing it as a “misuse of power.” Pawar’s remarks reflect broader concerns about the use of stringent laws to curb freedom of expression and political dissent. Critics argue that such actions may stifle legitimate discourse and debate, particularly on sensitive issues like Kashmir, which remains a contentious and deeply polarized topic within India.
The prosecution of Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain is likely to reignite debates over free speech, governmental authority, and the legal boundaries of political expression in India.
