Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi Faces Renewed Charges in Anti-CAA Protests

Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and three associates face revived charges under UAPA and IPC for their roles in the 2019 anti-CAA protests. Previously cleared by a lower court, the NIA appealed, leading to the reopening of the case. The Supreme Court granted bail to the accused pending trial.

In a significant legal development, a special NIA court has framed charges against Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and three of his associates under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC) for their alleged involvement in the 2019 anti-CAA protests.

Initially cleared by the court, the National Investigation Agency appealed to the Gauhati High Court, which ordered the reopening of the case. Charges include conspiracy and promoting enmity among groups, while sedition allegations were dismissed.

Though currently free on bail granted by the Supreme Court, Gogoi and his co-accused plan to challenge the charges in the high court as they contend against what they term a politically motivated prosecution.