Delhi L-G sanctions prosecution of author Arundhati Roy over 2010 'provocative' speech

An FIR (First Information Report) filed alleged that Roy and other speakers delivered provocative speeches during the conference.

Delhi LG V Saxena has sanctioned the prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and former professor of International Law at the Central University of Kashmir, Dr. Sheikh Showkat Hussain, u/s 45(1) of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly making 'provocative' speeches at a conference organised under the banner 'Azadi-the Only Way' in 2010.

It was alleged that Roy, while delivering a speech at the conference, strongly propagated that Kashmir was never a part of India and was forcibly occupied by the Armed Forces of India. An FIR (First Information Report) filed alleged that Roy and other speakers delivered provocative speeches during the conference.

In October 2023, L-G Saxena had authorised the prosecution of author Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain for allegedly delivering "provocative speeches". Saxena reportedly mentioned that there is a prima facie case against Roy and Hussain under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 153A, 153B, and 505.

These sections pertain to promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, assertions prejudicial to national integration, and intentional insults aimed at provoking public disorder, respectively.

Section 153A concerns actions that promote hostility between various groups based on factors such as religion, race, place of birth, residence, or language, and includes behaviors detrimental to maintaining social harmony. Section 153B deals with making statements or assertions that undermine national unity and integration. Section 505 addresses deliberate insults aimed at inciting public disorder.