Facebook Pixel Democracy on Trial: From the Rule of Law to Rule by Law | The New Indian Express Villupuram - newspaper - इस कहानी को Magzter.com पर पढ़ें

कोशिश गोल्ड - मुक्त

Democracy on Trial: From the Rule of Law to Rule by Law

The New Indian Express Villupuram

|

August 25, 2025

The growing use of laws like UAPA and PMLA to target political opponents and dissenters reveals a disturbing trend of abuse of legal frameworks. The latest Bills pave the way for a new form of dictatorship.

- KAPIL SIBAL

Democracy is to weaponise laws and target those opposing the government. This government seems to have converted this into an art.

I recall the day the amendment to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), was taken up for discussion in Parliament. The Home Minister openly stated that this was necessary, for none could oppose the inclusion of terrorists and terrorist organisations in the First Schedule of the UAPA, seeking to destabilise our Republic. I intervened and expressed my fears that these laws are likely to be used against our citizens; it has turned out to be a reality. The prosecution of young students, like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, under those laws has resulted in them languishing in jail for years without a trial. Such laws have been used against journalists, academics, and members of religious communities in this country. The obvious intent was to silence them.

The weaponisation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) is evident in its widespread use against political opponents, including chief ministers and ministers from opposition-ruled states, such as Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Satyendra Jain, Hemant Soren, and Farooq Abdullah, among others. Valiant attempts were made to move against Siddaramaiah, but they came to nought. These laws have also been used to instil fear in several leaders who were once part of the opposition but have been persuaded to join the BJP to save themselves from prosecution and imprisonment. The BJP has, particularly in Maharashtra, rewarded opposition leaders against whom serious allegations of corruption were publicly made for causing a split in their erstwhile parties. They are now part of the coalition ruling Maharashtra.

The New Indian Express Villupuram

यह कहानी The New Indian Express Villupuram के August 25, 2025 संस्करण से ली गई है।

हजारों चुनिंदा प्रीमियम कहानियों और 10,000 से अधिक पत्रिकाओं और समाचार पत्रों तक पहुंचने के लिए मैगज़्टर गोल्ड की सदस्यता लें।

क्या आप पहले से ही ग्राहक हैं?

The New Indian Express Villupuram से और कहानियाँ

The New Indian Express Villupuram

Railway cop run over by train while chasing thief in UP, loses both legs

A hot chase, and action

time to read

1 min

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

The New Indian Express Villupuram

Sparks fly as Kharge, Rijiju argue on Iran crisis debate

A heated exchange of words erupted in the Rajya Sabha between Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday after the Congress chief demanded a discussion on the West Asia conflict, which he said has led to an LPG shortage and rise in cylinder prices.

time to read

1 min

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

Punjab to collect family data for fight against drug threat

THE Punjab government on Tuesday started an extensive drug and socioeconomic census drive, with 28,000 employees asked to conduct the survey of 65 lakh families in the state.

time to read

1 mins

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

BJP may rename TN as ‘Dakshina Pradesh’: CM

Says AIADMk’s hands stained with CAA blood, Dravidian super-fast engine won't bow before BJP’s ‘dabba engine’

time to read

3 mins

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

The New Indian Express Villupuram

HC junks plea seeking action to curb distribution of cash & gifts to voters

THE Madras High Court on Wednesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition praying for the court to issue directions to prevent bribing of voters in the run-up to the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

time to read

1 min

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

The New Indian Express Villupuram

BJP HAT-TRICK CERTAIN: MODI

PM says the opposition party faces a definite defeat for third time in a row in Assam elections

time to read

3 mins

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

The New Indian Express Villupuram

Gangotri National Park opens after winter break

AFTER a winter hiatus, the doors to the pristine wilderness of the Gangotri National Park (GNP) have been officially thrown open to tourists, marking the start of a six-month adventure season.

time to read

1 mins

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

The New Indian Express Villupuram

New rule on end-of-life plastic disposal lenient towards industry, warn experts

THE Central government’s new plastic waste management rule, notified on Tuesday, aims at promoting the burning of plastic to produce energy and allow a carry-forward target of recycling and reuse.

time to read

1 min

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

HAL, Air Force review of Tejas Mk1A to decide about timely induction

WITH the Tejas Mk1A programme mired in persistent delays, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are set to hold a critical programme review later this month to take stock of progress and finalise a revised induction timeline, it is learnt.

time to read

1 mins

April 02, 2026

The New Indian Express Villupuram

The New Indian Express Villupuram

Shah to take Suvendu dare to Mamata's home turf today

UNION Home Minister Amit Shah will on Thursday attend the nomination filing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and take part in a major roadshow at Bhabanipur.

time to read

1 mins

April 02, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size