Rights group alleges 'criminalisation of dissent' in NIA’s Lucknow probe

By A Representative 

The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has condemned what it described as a “witch hunt” by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Lucknow Conspiracy Case. The group demanded that FIR No. RC-01/2023 registered by the NIA’s Lucknow unit be quashed and called for the withdrawal of notices issued to four activists.

According to a CASR statement, the NIA has recently issued notices to Advocate Ehtmam Ul Haq, Nishant, Devdat Shakya and Deepak Kumar. CASR also referred to the arrest of Advocate and anti-displacement activist Ajay Kumar, student and labour rights activist Priyanshu Kashyap, and documentary filmmaker Vishal Singh in the same case. The organisation alleged that more than 40 activists across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Punjab have been subjected to house raids and interrogation as part of the investigation.

CASR claimed that the present action reflects a broader pattern in which stringent anti-terror provisions, particularly under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), have been invoked against activists, students, lawyers and others engaged in protest and civil liberties work. It alleged that the trajectory of the Lucknow case resembles that of the Bhima Koregaon case, in which several activists and academics were arrested under conspiracy charges and spent extended periods in custody.

The statement cited judicial observations in past UAPA-related cases. It referred to a 2021 order of the Delhi High Court granting bail to student activists in a case related to the Delhi violence, in which the court observed that the line between the right to protest and terrorist activity should not be blurred. CASR also noted that the Supreme Court of India has repeatedly emphasised strict scrutiny in the application of anti-terror laws and cautioned against prolonged incarceration without trial.

Detailing the backgrounds of the four individuals who received notices, CASR said Advocate Ehtmam Ul Haq is associated with the Forum Against Corporatisation and Militarisation and has been active in anti-CAA-NRC protests and Adivasi rights campaigns. Devdat Shakya is described as a student activist linked to Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch and currently pursuing a master’s degree at Ambedkar University Delhi. Nishant is a Delhi University law graduate practising at the Delhi High Court and formerly associated with the magazine Nazariya. Deepak Kumar is identified as a human rights activist connected with CASR and campaigns for political prisoners.

CASR alleged that large-scale coordinated raids, interrogations and pressure on activists to become witnesses indicate intimidation rather than impartial investigation. It argued that invoking anti-terror laws against students, lawyers and grassroots organisers has a chilling effect on democratic participation and undermines constitutional rights.

The organisation demanded immediate withdrawal of notices against the four activists, release of Ajay Kumar, Priyanshu Kashyap and Vishal Singh, an end to what it termed coercive raids and surveillance, stricter judicial oversight of investigations under anti-terror laws, and protection of constitutional rights to dissent and protest.

The statement was issued by the organising team of CASR, which listed several student, labour and civil liberties organisations as part of its network. The NIA has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.