Delhi LG allows legal action against Arundhati Roy and Kashmir professor for controversial speeches.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has given the go-ahead for the prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and former professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain for their alleged provocative speeches, according to officials familiar with the matter. The case dates back to November 2010 when an FIR was filed against Roy, Hussain, and others for sedition and promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, and place of birth. The accused were also charged with acts related to public mischief and the case was registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

A complaint was initially filed by social activist Sushil Pandit, alleging that the participants in a conference organized by the “Committee for release of Political Prisoners” had delivered provocative speeches advocating the separation of Kashmir from India. The speeches were deemed to be jeopardizing public peace and security. The complainant also filed a complaint under the Code of Criminal Procedure before the court of Metropolitan Magistrate in New Delhi.

The prosecution sanction has been sought for offenses under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The charges against Roy and Hussain include promoting enmity between different groups, making imputations prejudicial to national integrity, and advocating unlawful activities. However, no sanction for sedition has been granted as the Supreme Court has directed that all pending sedition cases be kept in abeyance until further review.

Two other accused, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Syed Abdul Rahman Geelani, have passed away during the pendency of the case. Roy and Hussain could not be reached for comment.

Summary:

• Delhi LG VK Saxena has given the nod for the prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and former professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain for their alleged provocative speeches.
• The case was registered in 2010 and includes charges of sedition, promoting enmity between different groups, and advocating unlawful activities.
• No sanction for sedition has been granted due to an ongoing review by the Supreme Court.
• Two other accused in the case have passed away.