UAPA Bill That Gives Powers to NIA to Designate an Individual With Terror Links as 'Terrorist' Passed by Lok Sabha
The controversial Bill which seeks to allow an individual suspected to have terror links to be designated as a 'terrorist' was passed by Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid objections by the Opposition.
New Delhi, July 24: The controversial Bill which seeks to allow an individual suspected to have terror links to be designated as a 'terrorist' was passed by Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid objections by the Opposition which said the amended law could be misused. The government, however, maintained that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019, give more teeth to the NIA in dealing with terror cases.
Seeking support for the Bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government believes in "zero tolerance" towards terrorism. "There's a need for a provision to declare an individual as a terrorist. The UN has a procedure for it, the US has it, even Pakistan has it, China, Israel, European Union... Everyone has done it," Shah said. Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, however, demanded the Bill be sent to a Standing Committee. Parliament Passes NIA (Amendment) Bill; Shah Assures Members Against Its Misuse.
"When you question us you don't see who brought the law and amendments, who made it stringent. It was brought when you were in power, what you did then was right and what I'm doing now is also right," the Home Minister responded. Ahead of the voting, Congress MPs staged a walkout in protest. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 284 votes in its favour and eight against it. PM Modi Thanks All Parties for Support to of J-K Reservation (Amendment) Bill, Extension of President Rule.
Speaking against the Bill, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said both BJP and Congress brought draconian laws against Muslims and Dalits. "By bringing such a Bill, it will mean we are disrespecting freedom fighters, as it violates Article 21 merely on the basis of the feeling of the government. This is social ostracisation... The bill lacks judicial review and I want to know where is parliamentary sovereignty going?" Owaisi said.
"What about zero tolerance miscarriage of justice as officials don't get suspended. I blame Congress for this, they are are the culprits for bringing in this law. It allows for the seizure of property and where is judicial scrutiny? I believe IPC is good enough. Draconian laws, earlier by Congress and now by BJP have been used against Muslims and Dalits," AIMIM lawmaker added.
Amendment to Schedule 4 of the UAPA will allow the NIA to designate an individual suspected to have terror links as a terrorist. As of now, only organisations are designated as ‘terrorist organisations’. The Bill also streamlines the process of confiscating terrorists' property. While the existing Act allows the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to confiscate the property of terrorists, the anti-terrorist agency has to take permission from states.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2019 03:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).