Archive · 23 Jan 2026
SC Hears Challenges to UP Gangsters Act Validity
The Supreme Court started hearing arguments about whether a law from Uttar Pradesh called the Gangsters Act is valid.
Some people who are affected by this law say it's unfair and conflicts with a central law.
They also say the law is being used to harass people in family disputes.
The state government says they need more time to respond to these arguments.
The court will hear more about this in March.
The main points of disagreement are whether the state law conflicts with the central law and if the law is being used unfairly.
Supreme Court began hearing challenges to the UP Gangsters Act, 1986.
Petitioners argue the Act is arbitrary and conflicts with central legislation.
State government seeks time to respond to repugnancy arguments.
Next hearing scheduled for March 2025.
Petitioners claim the Act is used to harass individuals in family disputes.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, petitioners including Siraj Ahmad Khan, Uttar Pradesh government
- What
- Hearing on the constitutional validity of the UP Gangsters Act, 1986
- When
- January 22, 2025 (hearing commenced), next hearing in March 2025
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
- Why
- Petitioners argue the Act is arbitrary and repugnant to central legislation, while the state seeks time to respond
- Act in Question
- Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986
- Petitioners' Argument
- Act is arbitrary and repugnant to central legislation
- State's Response
- Seeks time to file reply on repugnancy argument
- Next Hearing
- March (date not specified)
- Lead Petitioner
- Siraj Ahmad Khan and others
- Provisions Challenged
- Attachment of property and penalty provisions
- Petitioners' Claim
- Act used to harass and intimidate in family disputes
- Court's Initial Stance
- State law not in conflict with central legislation