Archive · 6 Dec 2025
10,440 arrested under UAPA from 2019-2023, only 335 convicted
From 2019 to 2023, the Indian government arrested 10,440 people under a special law called the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
This law is supposed to stop terrorism and activities that harm India.
However, only 335 of those arrested were found guilty.
The most arrests happened in Jammu and Kashmir (3,662) and Uttar Pradesh (2,805), but very few people were convicted in these places.
The law gives police more time to investigate (180 days) compared to regular crimes (60-90 days).
Some people say this law is being used to punish those who criticize the government, not just terrorists.
It's meant to protect India, but some think it's being used in ways that might not be fair.
10,440 people were arrested under UAPA from 2019 to 2023, with only 335 convictions.
Jammu and Kashmir had the highest number of arrests (3,662) but only 23 convictions.
Uttar Pradesh had the second highest arrests (2,805) with 222 convictions.
Other states with high arrests include Assam, Manipur, and Jharkhand.
UAPA allows longer investigation periods (180 days) compared to regular crimes (60-90 days).
- Who
- Indian government and citizens arrested under UAPA
- What
- Arrests and convictions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)
- When
- Between 2019 and 2023
- Where
- Across India, with highest arrests in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To combat terrorism and unlawful activities, though critics argue it's used against government critics
- Total arrests (2019-2023)
- 10,440
- Total convictions (2019-2023)
- 335
- Highest arrests (J&K)
- 3,662
- Convictions in J&K
- 23
- Second highest arrests (UP)
- 2,805
- Convictions in UP
- 222
- Other high-arrest states
- Assam, Manipur, Jharkhand
- UAPA enactment year
- 1967
- Investigation period under UAPA
- 180 days
- Ordinary criminal law investigation period
- 60-90 days
