Anti-Extremism Act Enforcement And Case Studies
1. Afzal Guru Case (2001 Parliament Attack)
Afzal Guru was convicted for his involvement in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, which resulted in the deaths of several security personnel. He was charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), which was later repealed. The case highlighted concerns regarding the application of anti-terrorism laws, especially the use of confessions obtained under duress and the admissibility of evidence. Guru's execution in 2013 sparked debates about the fairness of trials under such stringent laws.
2. Elgaar Parishad Case (Bhima Koregaon) and UAPA
The Elgaar Parishad case involves the alleged involvement of several individuals in inciting violence during the Bhima Koregaon incident in 2018. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) invoked the UAPA against activists and intellectuals, leading to arrests and prolonged detentions. Critics argue that the application of UAPA in this case was politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissent. The Bombay High Court upheld the constitutional validity of UAPA, dismissing challenges that it grants unchecked powers to the executive and lacks clear definitions
3. Mizoram Arms Smuggling Case
In 2025, the NIA charged five individuals in Mizoram for supplying arms to the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), a militant group in Bangladesh. The accused were charged under the UAPA, the Arms Act, and the Foreigners Act. The case underscores the use of anti-extremism laws to combat cross-border terrorism and arms smuggling. The NIA's involvement indicates the seriousness with which such offenses are treated under national security laws.
4. Phulwarisharif Conspiracy Case (Bihar)
In 2022, the NIA arrested Mahboob Alam, the Bihar state president of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), in connection with a criminal conspiracy case in Phulwarisharif. The accused were allegedly involved in promoting religious hatred and inciting unrest. The NIA's investigation revealed a secret "vision document" titled "India 2047: Towards Rule of Islam in India," which allegedly aimed at imposing Islamic rule. The case highlights the application of anti-extremism laws to prevent radicalization and maintain public order
5. AQIS-Linked Radicalization in Gujarat
In 2025, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Zeeshan Ali, among others, for alleged ties to Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The group was reportedly spreading AQIS propaganda and attempting to radicalize youth through encrypted social media platforms. The ATS recovered a semi-automatic pistol and live ammunition from the accused. Legal proceedings were initiated under the UAPA and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case illustrates the use of anti-extremism laws to counter online radicalization and prevent potential terrorist activities
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