Decoded | Spotlight on terror law UAPA after Stan Swamy’s death

The death of Stan Swamy, the Jesuit priest and activist, in jail waiting for bail for nine months at the age of 84 has brought the spotlight back on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the primary counter-terror law in India.

The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967 is the primary counter-terror law in India. The terror law has come under sharp scrutiny recently with various courts finding application of the UAPA arbitrary. In a number of cases, the courts have given the benefit of justice to several accused while raising questions about the UAPA. But the death of Stan Swamy, the Jesuit priest and an activist, in jail waiting for bail for nine months at the age of 84 has brought the spotlight back on the UAPA.