A special NIA court has charged Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and three associates under UAPA and IPC for their involvement in anti-CAA protests, igniting discussions on the implications of stringent laws against demonstrators.
Guwahati: In a significant legal development, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has officially framed charges against Assam Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Akhil Gogoi and three co-accused related to the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. The charges were announced on Tuesday by Special NIA Judge SK Sharma.Gogoi faces serious allegations under Section 18 (conspiracy) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), as well as sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promotion of enmity), and 153B (related to prejudicial assertions against national integration). The same charges under Section 18 of the UAPA and 120B of the IPC have also been leveled against his associates: Dhaijya Konwar, Bittu Sonowal, and Manash Konwar.This ruling initiates the trial phase, where the prosecution will present evidence and witness testimonies. The case has garnered considerable attention, fueling debates about the application of stringent laws against demonstrators and activists.The anti-CAA protests, which erupted across India, were particularly intense in Assam, where many argued that the CAA discriminates based on religion and undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. As the trial progresses, the implications of these charges for political dissent and civil liberties remain a focal point of discussion among observers and advocates.
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