Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday attached a poultry farm in Madhya Pradesh, which was used by alleged members of an IS-inspired group involved in a conspiracy to carry out terror activities in Rajasthan.
The property, attached under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), is in Ratlam district.
IS-inspired
Refers to individuals, groups, or activities that are influenced or motivated by the ideology and actions of the Islamic State (IS), also known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). The Islamic State is a radical extremist group that emerged in the early 2000s and gained global attention for its brutal tactics, territorial expansion, and establishment of a self-proclaimed caliphate.
It is important to note that the vast majority of Muslims reject the extremist ideology of the Islamic State and its violent actions. The term “IS-inspired” should not be used to generalize or stigmatize the entire Muslim community, as it refers only to individuals or activities influenced by the ideology of the extremist group.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is an Indian law enacted in 1967 with the aim of preventing unlawful activities that pose a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India. The UAPA provides the government with the power to combat terrorism, unlawful associations, and activities that undermine national security.
Here are some key points about the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act:
Objective: The primary objective of the UAPA is to prevent unlawful activities and to deal effectively with terrorist activities in India. It empowers law enforcement agencies to take necessary actions to maintain national security and protect public order.
Definitions of Unlawful Activities: The UAPA defines various unlawful activities, including acts of terrorism, promoting secessionist tendencies, raising funds for terrorist organizations, membership in terrorist organizations, and conspiring or abetting terrorist acts.
Designated Terrorist Organizations: The UAPA empowers the central government to designate organizations as terrorist organizations based on certain criteria. Designated terrorist organizations face severe restrictions, including restrictions on their activities, funding, and membership.
Investigation and Arrest: The UAPA provides law enforcement agencies with certain powers during the investigation of offenses, such as the power to arrest suspects without a warrant, intercept communications, conduct searches, and seize property.
Bail and Detention: The UAPA imposes stricter conditions for bail, making it difficult for individuals accused of UAPA offenses to secure bail. The Act also allows for the detention of individuals for up to 180 days without filing a charge sheet, subject to certain conditions.
Provisions for Confessions and Evidence: The UAPA has provisions regarding admissibility of confessions made to police officers, intercepted communications, and certain evidentiary presumptions. These provisions are aimed at facilitating investigations and prosecution of offenses under the Act.
Special Courts: The UAPA provides for the establishment of special courts to conduct trials related to offenses under the Act. These special courts are designated to handle UAPA cases and ensure speedy trials.
Criticisms and Concerns: The UAPA has faced criticism from human rights organizations and civil society groups, who argue that its provisions can be misused to stifle dissent and curtail freedom of expression. Critics also express concerns over the broad definitions of offenses and the strict provisions for bail, arguing that they may lead to arbitrary arrests and violations of due process.
