Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Kashmir High Court Restores UAPA Charges for Anti-India Slogans
A high court in Kashmir ruled that saying anti-India slogans is against the law.
This is part of a law called UAPA.
Two men had been accused of doing this and were previously let off by a lower court.
The high court has now said the men will face charges.
They are accused of encouraging people to separate Kashmir from India.
The court believes that such actions are illegal even if there's no violence.
This decision could mean people who spoke out before 2019 face stricter legal consequences.
High Court in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has ruled that chanting anti-national slogans constitutes an unlawful activity under the UAPA.
The court set aside a trial court's order and restored charges against two Kashmiris.
The accused are charged with inciting people to call for Jammu and Kashmir's secession.
The verdict may lower the legal threshold for individuals who engaged in such activities before 2019.
The case involves Ameer Hamza Shah and Rayees Ahmad Mir, who delivered 'anti-national speeches' in 2015.
- Who
- Ameer Hamza Shah and Rayees Ahmad Mir are accused. The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh issued the verdict.
- What
- The High Court restored charges under the UAPA against two Kashmiris for allegedly inciting people through anti-national slogans.
- When
- The alleged speeches were made in March 2015. The high court ruling was made recently.
- Where
- The events occurred in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- The High Court found that the trial court was wrong in dismissing the charges, thus restoring them, as the accused were advocating secession.
Trial Court View
High Court View
Definition of Unlawful Activity
Trial Court View
Sloganeering alone is not an unlawful activity without any violence or disturbance.
High Court View
Advocating and inciting a struggle for secession from the Union of India is punishable under Section 13 of the UAPA.
- Law
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967
- Accused
- Ameer Hamza Shah and Rayees Ahmad Mir
- Location
- Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir
- Charge
- Inciting secession of Jammu & Kashmir
- Maximum Jail Term
- 7 years
- Trial Court Decision
- Charges dismissed (overturned)