Delhi LG allows prosecution of author Arundhati Roy, Sheikh Hussain in 2010 provocative speech case

Delhi Leuitanant GovernorVK Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and former professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain in a case of alleged provocative speeches at a public function in 2010.

The prosecution of Roy and Hussain,who was professor of international law at the Central University of Kashmir, will be under IPC section 45 (1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA, an official statement said on Friday (June 14).

An FIR or first information report against Roy and Hussain was registered after the orders of the Court of Metropolitan Magistrate, New Delhi.

Sushil Pandit, a social activist from Kashmir, had registered a complaint in the matter on October 28, 2010.

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The LG, in October 2023 had granted sanction to prosecute them under section 196 of CrPC for the commission of offences punishable under different sections of the Indian Penal Code: 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).

Roy and Hussain allegedly made provocative speeches at a conference organised under the banner of 'Azadi - The Only Way' on October 21, 2010, at LTG Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi.

"The issues discussed and spoken about at the conference propagated the separation of Kashmir from India," said the official.

(With inputs from agencies)