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Whom does the UAPA apply to?

The UAPA applies to anyone who commits a UAPA crime in India or outside India(( Section 1, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.)). It applies to Indian citizens irrespective of where the crime is committed and also includes people in Government service, and people on ships and aircrafts registered in India.

Types of persons

Apart from individuals, the UAPA also applies to(( Section 2(ec), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.)):

Companies
Firms
Organisations and associations of persons
Any agency, office or branch owned or controlled by the above.

What is the difference between sedition and defamation?

Sedition(( Section 124A, Indian Penal Code, 1860.)) is a crime against the State, meaning a crime where violence or public disorder is caused amongst the people as they have been incited against the government. A crime of defamation(( Section 499, Indian Penal Code, 1860.)) is against a person or a group of persons, where words or visual representations affect their reputation.

Is sedition a crime all over the world?

No, a lot of countries have abolished or amended the sedition law. Some of them are the United Kingdom, Korea and Malaysia.

Can foreigners be booked for an act of sedition?

Yes, foreigners can be booked for acts of sedition under the law.(( Section 124A, Indian Penal Code, 1860.))

I have spoken about the lack of funds in the Public Distribution System and have criticized the government for it. Will there be sedition charges against me?

If your speeches are honest concerns and have not further posed any threat to causing any public disorder or violence against the government, there will not be any sedition charges against you. You would be liable for an act of sedition if you have attempted or encouraged people to resort to violence. Under the law it is known as exciting disaffection.

Can I be booked for sedition for writing against the government in a private chat with a friend?

No, you cannot be booked for such an act, unless it leads to violence or exciting disaffection against the government.

Does AFSPA apply to all the North-Eastern states of India?

No, it does not apply to all the North Eastern States. AFSPA, is not applicable in the states of Sikkim, Meghalaya and Tripura. Certain areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Imphal, Manipur are also not covered under the law.

What is an Armed Forces Tribunal?

The Armed Forces Tribunal has been made for the trial of persons in the Armed Forces, which may include persons from the Army, Navy or Airforce. The Tribunal looks into disputes and complaints with respect to appointments, conditions of service, disciplinary proceedings etc. The main branch of the Tribunal is in New Delhi but it has regional branches at Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai and Jaipur. The tribunals follow the normal procedure as practiced in the High Courts of India and all the proceedings are in English. Persons who are not in the armed forces cannot approach this Tribunal as this is only meant for the armed forces and their trial.

Is there AFSPA law in whole of Jammu and Kashmir?

Jammu and Kashmir is divided into three divisions i.e. Jammu (10 districts), Kashmir Valley (10 districts) and Ladakh (2 districts). AFSPA applies only to the division of Kashmir Valley.

Why is AFSPA a controversial law?

The AFSPA gives too much power to the Armed Forces, even to extent of killing someone only on the grounds of suspicion. This has been seen as opposed to the right to life as granted by the Constitution of India.