Judiciary's Dilemma: Conviction Challenges Under UAPA

The Supreme Court has highlighted low conviction rates under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, noting that over 90% of trials result in acquittals. The case of Syed Iftikhar Andrabi raises questions about prolonged detention, given weak evidence and lack of prior criminal activities.

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the dismal conviction rates under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with over 90% of trials ending in acquittals. This observation came as the court granted bail to Syed Iftikhar Andrabi, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir accused in a narco-terrorism case.

Data from the National Crime Records Bureau indicates that from 2019 to 2023, conviction rates under UAPA hovered between 2% and 6%. In Jammu and Kashmir, this figure is below 1%, prompting questions about the continued detention of accused individuals despite serious charges.

Andrabi, who has no prior criminal history, challenged a High Court order that denied him bail based on alleged connections with terror operatives. Without substantial evidence of involvement in the narcotic trade or terrorist activities, the apex court decided to grant him bail pending trial.