The Rajya Sabha passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill on Friday, 2 August, with 147 votes in favour and 42 against it. The Opposition alleged that any individual could be named under this Act merely on the basis of the government’s belief that they are involved in terrorism.
Twitterati also put forth their opinions of the Bill; while some hailed it, others expressed concern.
“All teeth are in place. Now high time we bite,” said one Twitter user.
Another Twitter user claimed that with the Bill, “more people will become terrorists.”
‘Impinging on Fundamental Rights’
Journalist Ruhi Tewari said “Modi government’s UAPA Bill is dangerous and makes every citizen a potential terror suspect.”
Advocate and Member of Parliament P Wilson said the Bill can seriously impinge on the fundamental rights of citizens since anybody can be labelled a terrorist by an officer of the MHA.
One Twitter user said that the problem is the Bill “does not define ‘terrorist literature and theory’”.
The government can now declare an individual a terrorist on mere suspicion, said one Twitter user. “No FIR, No chargesheet, No charges framed, No trial in a court, No conviction,” she said.
‘Stronger Opposition Needed’
Some Twitter users said Congress needed to put up a stronger opposition. “If you’ve already planned to back BJP in Rajya Sabha what was all these drama for,” she wrote.
Another Twitter user brought up journalist Ravish Kumar’s Magsasay Award. “On a day facts won with the Magsaysay for Ravish Kumar, truth lost with UAPA Bill,” she tweeted.
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