Hyderabad: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a sharp attack on the Congress, holding it responsible for the prolonged imprisonment of student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
This comes days after the Supreme Court rejected their bail pleas in the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case, where both have remained in jail for over five-and-a-half years under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Speaking at an event in Dhule, Maharashtra, Owaisi accused the UPA government — during which P Chidambaram served as Union Home Minister — of introducing key amendments to UAPA that strengthened its provisions, including a broad definition of terrorism. He claimed these changes, which he had criticised as “subjective” in his Lok Sabha speeches as early as 2007-2008, are now being used to deny bail and prolong detention.
“The Supreme Court explained why it did not grant bail… During the UPA government, amendments were made to UAPA, including a definition of terrorism,” Owaisi said, highlighting how the provisions allow extended custody — up to 180 days without chargesheet — often applied disproportionately in cases involving minorities.
Owaisi recalled warning Parliament about potential misuse of vague clauses, such as actions “by any other means whatsoever,” which could target dissenters. He questioned why no Congress leader has faced similar long-term imprisonment since Independence, underscoring what he called the party’s hypocrisy.
While the apex court granted bail to five other accused in the same case, the denial for Khalid and Imam has reignited debates over UAPA’s draconian nature and its application in politically-sensitive matters.
As political temperatures rise, Owaisi’s remarks spotlight historical legislative decisions amid ongoing calls for UAPA reforms.