Importance of UAPA

According to National Crime Records Bureau, 796 cases were reported under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act ( UAPA )  in 2020. While 1226 cases were reported in 2019 under the UAPA. 

Do you know about the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967?  Do you know why UAPA is important for handling the terrorists in India? What are the important sections under UAPA for terrorists in India?

The main aim of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 is to maintain the integrity & sovereignty of India and stop terrorist activities in India. This act deals with the unlawful activities & terrorist activities of the individuals as well as associations. 

Important Sections Of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act –  

1. Section 3: It explains that the central government has the power to declare an association as unlawful. The Central government can issue a notification in the Official Newspaper. The Central government has to mention the reasons in writing in order to declare an association as illegal.

2. Section 4 & 5: The central government has to power to form an Unlawful Activities ( Prevention ) Tribunal. The main role of the tribunal is to investigate the allegations & declarations made by the central government. After complete investigation & inquiry, the Tribunal can give their judgment within 6 months after the notice. This is an important act of UAPA.

3. Section 7: After the declaration of an association as unlawful, the Central government has the power to stop the unlawful associations from using their funds, money, credits & securities. 

4. Section 10: Penalty for being a member of unlawful activities – Any person who is a member of an unlawful association can be punished for 5 years to life imprisonment. 

5. Section 13: Anyone who takes part in or commits or incites an unlawful activity can get the punishment for minimum 7 years, Fine or both. 

6. Section 15: Any person who takes any action to disrupt or threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India by using explosive substances, bombs, dynamite, lethal weapons, poisionous gases, firearms or, any lethal weapons. Moreover, if someone threatens or kidnap someone with an intention to compel the Government of India. Everyone should understand this section of UAPA.

7. Section 16: Punishment for terrorist act – Anyone who performs any of the terrorist acts mentioned in section 15 can get punishment – 5 years to life imprisonment, Fine or Both.

8. Section 17: Punishment for raising funds for terrorist organisations – Anyone who directly or indirectly provide funds for terrorist activities in India. They can be punished for 5 years to life imprisonment, fine or both. 

9. Section 18: Punishment for conspiracy – If someone plans for any terrorist activity then, they can get the punishment for 5 years to life imprisonment or both. 

10. Section 20: Punishment for being a member of a terrorist gang – If you are a member of a terrorist gang then, you can get the punishment upto life imprisonment, fine or both.

These are some important sections in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. I hope you have understood all the important sections under UAPA. If you are facing any legal issues, you can directly visit our office located at Laxminagar. Also, you talk to our legal experts on phone calls.