‘Misuse’ of UAPA: Rights groups highlight detention of women activists

By A Representative 

A coalition of civil rights groups under the banner of the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) on Saturday called for the immediate release of women political prisoners lodged in jails across India under stringent security laws, particularly the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), saying many have spent years in prison without their trials reaching conclusion.

In a press statement issued on March 8 to mark International Women’s Day, CASR expressed solidarity with women around the world fighting for dignity, equality and justice, while highlighting what it described as the “continued incarceration of women activists, lawyers, teachers and grassroots organisers” under anti-terror provisions in India.

The organisation alleged that several women prisoners have been charged under the UAPA on what it termed “fabricated allegations” and have remained behind bars as undertrials for extended periods. According to the statement, the stringent bail provisions under the law often result in prolonged imprisonment even before the conclusion of trials, effectively turning the legal process itself into punishment.

Among those named by CASR were Syeda Asiya Andrabi, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, each reported as having been convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison. The group also listed several undertrial prisoners including Bellala Padma, an advocate who has reportedly spent two years and nine months in custody; Binda Sona, in jail for two years; Prabha, detained for two years and six months; Suneeta Potam, held for one year and nine months; and Sheela Marandi, who has spent over four years in custody. Other names mentioned include Jayeeta Das, Narla Vidya, Madakam Kosi, Savithri, Unnimaya, Kamala, D. Devendra, Ch. Shilpa and K. Shireesha.

CASR said the women named in the statement represent different regions and struggles but share what it called a common pattern of prosecution under anti-terror legislation. It said many of them come from marginalised backgrounds, including Adivasi and rural communities, and were engaged in grassroots activism related to land rights, civil liberties and social justice prior to their arrests.

“The misuse of UAPA to silence dissent and criminalise political belief has become increasingly visible,” the organisation said, adding that many of those incarcerated remain undertrials and are deprived of the fundamental legal principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The statement also raised concerns about prison conditions and the health of incarcerated women. According to CASR, several women prisoners have reported deteriorating physical and mental health due to prolonged imprisonment, inadequate medical care and harsh conditions in jail. It further alleged that some women have experienced severe reproductive health complications, including miscarriages while in custody.

Calling the situation a contradiction to the official narrative of women’s empowerment, the organisation said the continued incarceration of women activists under anti-terror laws raises broader questions about democratic rights and civil liberties in the country.

CASR demanded the immediate release of all women political prisoners jailed under UAPA and other stringent laws, access to proper medical care and humane treatment for those currently incarcerated, and speedy and fair trials for individuals who have remained undertrial for years. It also urged democratic institutions, women’s organisations, civil rights groups and citizens to raise their voices on behalf of the prisoners.

The statement was issued on behalf of CASR’s organising team, which includes a broad coalition of civil society organisations and advocacy groups working on issues of civil liberties, social justice and democratic rights.