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The Supreme Court ruled that petitions challenging the 2019 amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) should first be heard by the High Court.
The amendment gives the government the power to designate someone as a 'terrorist' without judicial oversight, which petitioners argue violates fundamental rights.
The petitioners, argued that the law infringes upon rights like dignity, free speech, and reputation, and could harm a person’s liberty.
The 2019 amendment allows the government to add an individual to a ‘terrorist’ list under Section 35 of the UAPA, even before a trial.
The petitioners emphasized that the right to reputation is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, and being labeled a terrorist without trial violates this right.
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