Tue Feb 04 21:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Refers UAPA Amendment Challenges to High Courts
**NEW DELHI, February 5, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India ruled today that petitions challenging the 2019 amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) should first be heard by High Courts. The amendment grants the central government broad powers to designate individuals as terrorists.
A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated that High Courts should have the initial opportunity to address the concerns raised by the petitioners. These petitioners, including Delhi resident Sajal Awasthi, argued that the amendment infringes upon fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and the right to reputation. They contended that labeling someone a terrorist before trial violates the right to life with dignity.
The petitioners’ plea to have a single High Court, preferably Delhi, hear the cases was rejected. The Supreme Court’s order will be uploaded online. The core issue revolves around Section 35 of the amended UAPA, which allows the central government to unilaterally add individuals to a list of designated terrorists.
First Piper 