Mumbai, August 13: Senior Congress leader Hussain Dalwai has commented on the prolonged detention of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He stated that holding an individual in jail for years without a trial raises serious concerns about their democratic and constitutional rights. Dalwai demanded the immediate release of both individuals, emphasizing that courts should protect citizens’ rights.
Dalwai criticized the central government for the extended detention of Khalid and Imam, noting that Khalid has been imprisoned for nearly six years, while Imam has been in custody for about seven years. He questioned the justification for keeping someone in jail for such an extended period without any trial, highlighting the implications for democratic rights.
He raised concerns about the judiciary’s role, asserting that it is the responsibility of the judiciary to safeguard citizens’ constitutional and democratic rights. Courts must ensure that no individual is held indefinitely without a hearing.
Referring to Khalid’s academic contributions, Dalwai mentioned that Khalid has conducted research on tribal communities in the Singhbhum region of Jharkhand. This research involved direct engagement with the communities, aiming to understand their lives and circumstances. He stressed the need to strengthen the intellectual and academic traditions in the country, arguing that it is unjust to imprison someone for years due to their ideas or research. He called for a serious discussion on the application of laws like the UAPA.
Dalwai asserted that India is a nation founded on constitutional and democratic values. Every citizen has the right to express their opinions, as guaranteed by the Constitution. He accused the central government of attempting to undermine democratic rights and insisted that the judiciary must independently protect citizens’ rights. If cases are not progressing for years, the courts should review the matter seriously. He reiterated the demand for immediate relief for Khalid and Imam.
On Shivpal Yadav’s comments regarding the appointment of Azam Khan as Home Minister, Dalwai stated that while future political positions are a separate matter, the treatment of Khan is inappropriate. He highlighted Khan’s contributions to education, emphasizing that educational institutions should be strengthened rather than harmed. He questioned Khan’s detention, asserting that fundamental rights should not be overlooked due to political differences.
When asked about a potential alliance between Congress and the Samajwadi Party for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Dalwai refrained from making any definitive announcements. However, he indicated that there is a possibility for collaboration between the two parties, as both are part of the opposition INDIA alliance. He mentioned that discussions regarding seat-sharing and strategies could take place before the elections, with the final decision resting on the leadership and negotiations of the respective parties.
Dalwai responded sharply to allegations made by actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut against the Himachal Pradesh government, dismissing the significance of her political and public comments. He also commented on her acting abilities, suggesting that responding to her statements is unnecessary.
Regarding the decision to send the FCRA amendment bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Dalwai noted that the government’s agreement to this move indicates it has had to consider the objections raised by the opposition and other parties. The JPC will conduct a detailed discussion on the bill, allowing various stakeholders to present their suggestions and objections. Following this, it will be determined what changes will be made to the final version of the bill.
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