UAPA Explained: India’s Anti-Terror Law and Bail Rules
Why in the news
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were denied bail by the Supreme Court over the 2020 Delhi riots, putting the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in focus.
Key facts
- UAPA is India’s principal anti-terror statute, enacted in 1967.
- Aim: protect India’s sovereignty and security against terrorism and secession; tightened after 2004 and 2008.
What the law does
| Feature | Content |
|---|---|
| Unlawful activity | Threatening unity, backing secession, inciting violence against the state |
| Terror acts | Planning, funding, recruiting, training, holding weapons |
| Banned bodies | Joining or funding a declared terror group is an offence |
| Agency powers | Detention up to 180 days before chargesheet, tough bail, property seizure |
Provisions in focus
- Section 43D(5): courts check only whether accusations are prima facie true; long jail time or trial delay carries limited weight.
- Section 15: read broadly, covering more than direct violence, for example threats to disrupt essential services.
Exam angle
- Individuals can be designated since the 2019 amendment.
- Bail-restricting clause: Section 43D(5).