Umar Khaled's UAPA Case and Its Implications

Umar Khaled's case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) exemplifies the complexities surrounding anti-terror legislation in India. He has been in custody for four years without trial, facing accusations tied to alleged conspiracies related to the North East Delhi riots of 2020, stemming from protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. The prosecution's assertion that Khaled incited violence hinges on circumstantial evidence provided by protected witnesses, whose anonymity complicates scrutiny of their testimonies. Crucially, the interpretation of the UAPA's provisions raises questions about the definitions of terrorist acts, where strategies such as planning a 'chakka jam' (roadblock) are deemed potential threats to national security despite lacking tangible evidence of arms or weapon possession.