National desk
22 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has charged Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and three associates under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC) for their involvement in the violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
While Gogoi was charged under Section 18 of the UAPA (conspiracy) and IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity), and 153B (prejudicial statements against national integrity), the court dismissed Section 39 of the UAPA (supporting terrorism) and Section 124A (sedition) of the IPC, which had been proposed by the NIA.
These charges stem from Gogoi’s alleged role in inciting violence during protests against the CAA. The case continues to draw attention due to its implications for dissent and freedom of expression in India.