Booker prize winner Arundhati Roy is charged under anti terrorism law after her comments over Kashmir in 2010

An Indian author, winner of Booker prize and a recent receiver of Pen Printer Prize for Powerful voice, Arundhati Roy is going to be investigated under anti-terrorism legislation alongside a former professor of Central University of Kashmir, for the comments she made over Kashmir in year 2010, at an event. After, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena acted against the old comments of novelist Arundhati Roy and former University professor on October 10, 2023. As Indian authorities granted permission to go ahead with 13 years old case, Roy and Professor is prosecuted under Section 153A and 153B of the Indian Penal Code – provisions for hate speech. According to the information, The First Information Report (FIR) was filed on October 28, 2010 by Sushil Pandit against Arundhati Roy, Hussein and the others two (Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Syed Abdul Rahman Geelani) who have since died, quoted The Wire. The action to open a years old case comes days after number of raids into the offices and homes of various journalists and researchers across the nation. On October 3, 2023 Delhi Police officials interrogated reporters associated with news website NewsClick and arrested its Human Resources Head (Amit Chakraborty) and the founder (Prabir Purkayastha) under draconian Unlawful activities (Prevention) Act.

Arundhati Roy is one of India’s most famous authors and her outspoken personality has been targeted multiple times. Her criticism of Modi’s government is not hidden and activism for laws targeting minorities has made her a concentrated figure in India, however her supporters agree, and believes she is being targeted because of her constant activism and publicly criticized ruling party. Drishti Banerjee is completing her PhD in global politics and earlier has worked as a journalist with a reputed agency. Even though, she do not stand with what Roy has said in past, Drishti said that after the case has re-opened, press freedom is surfaced as a prominent issue in country. ‘Everybody have opinions and democracy allows you to put them out there without fear. Similarly, right to freedom of speech and expression comes with certain restrictions. However, personally I do not agree with what she said, but I believe neither her comments were to such an extent that could have sparked any controversy, until people wants to make it a huge publicized matter. Taking it to the court after years is another problematic situation that collectively we should consider. Targeting artists on political matters should never be motivated, because they see it from an artistry perspective and not from political angle’, she said.
Meanwhile supporters of Roy are criticizing government for their unbelievable action, there are others too, applauding government to take action into this matter. Rohan Chauhan calls himself a true patriot and said, ‘I appreciate governor’s decision to re-open the case and Indian government to go ahead with it. India is a huge country with people practicing different religion and instead of instigating, citizens should understand their responsibility to live in peace and maintain harmony among each other. Such renowned people who have an influential personality should be aware about their popularity and how careful they should act while being in public.’ In addition, he said that Kashmir is a sensitive subject for both the countries and people with half knowledge should refrain themselves while commenting anything anywhere. Rohan is working with a Multi-National Company and was involved in College politics during his graduation days. On asking, isn’t this is violation of right to freedom of speech and expression, to which he told EAT news, ‘Nowadays, people are commenting whatever they want to without considering its repercussions under the name of Freedom of speech and expression. I believe, we all should act responsibly specifically in selective subjects. Each individual have their own political opinion, however certain statements holds the significance of negative impacts that could lead to unthinkable situations’.
Meanwhile International Organization United Nations has interrupted and asked Indian government to drop the charges against Arundhati Roy and others. Posted on X, UN Human Rights Office, led by High Commissioner Volker Turk said, ‘#India: We are concerned by the use of #UAPA anti-terror law to silence critics. Repeat call for review of law and release of human rights defenders detained under it. Urge authorities to drop cases against Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain over comments on Kashmir’. Rohan described if you are a true patriot, you cannot agree with what author said. He continued, ‘We are aware about Kashmir’s horrific history and oppression people faced earlier. Nobody has the right to speak on their behalf, except them. We cannot imagine what they have gone through and by commenting on it, we are disrespecting all the victims of Kashmir including the ones who are contributing in maintain peace.’
Drishti Banerjee, on the other side believes, people who criticize government is required in democracy and who do not fear of higher authority before speaking are the ones, we should look up to.