Delhi LG approves prosecution of Arundhati Roy, Kashmir professor in 2010 ‘provocative speeches’ case

The two were alleged to have propagated the ‘separation of Kashmir’ during a conference

Arundhati Roy participates in a protest at the press club of India in New Delhi on October 4, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP

Delhi Lieutenant Governor has sanctioned prosecution for Novelist Arundhati Roy and former International Law Professor in Central University of Kashmir Professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain in regards to a case related to their comments on Kashmir in 2010, sources from the Raj Niwas said on October 10.

Sources added an FIR in this matter was registered following Court of Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi. The case was also registered under Section 13 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

“Mr. Saxena noted that a prima facie case is made out against Ms. Roy and Dr. Hussain, former Professor, International Law, Central University of Kashmir for commission of offence under sections 153A, 153B and 505 of Indian Penal Code for their speeches at a public function in the National Capital.”

Sections 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) stands for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, 153B (IPC) for imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration and 505 (IPC) for statements conducing to public mischief

Sayed Ali Shah Geelani, a Kashmiri separatist leader and Syed Abdul Rahman Geelani, a Delhi University lecturer, the two other accused in the case have died during the proceedings of the case.

Delhi Police, in view of the directions of the Supreme Court, had said that the decision on request for grant of prosecution sanction for offence under Section 124A (Sedition) of IPC may not be taken at present, Raj Niwas sources added.

A social activist from Kashmir, Sushil Pandit had filed a complaint on October 28, 2010 against various speakers involved in a public conference organized by the ’Committee for release of Political Prisoners’ for making provocative speeches. It was alleged that the speeches jeopardized public peace and security due to being provocative in Nature. The complainant had alleged that the issue discussed and propagated was “Separation of Kashmir from India”.