Supreme Court Scrutinizes NIA's Use of UAPA in West Bengal Violence Case
The Supreme Court has raised questions regarding the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) application of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in its investigation of recent violence in Beldanga, West Bengal.
Key Issues Raised by the Supreme Court
- NIA's Justification: The NIA claimed the violence impacted India's economic security, categorizing it as a terrorist act under Section 15 of the UAPA.
- Insufficient Basis: The court highlighted that West Bengal had not yet provided the necessary case files for NIA to make such a determination.
- Judicial Remarks: Justice Joymalya Bagchi criticized the NIA for prematurely concluding the applicability of Section 15 UAPA without reviewing the case diary.
Observations from the Court
- The bench noted similar incidents of violence in April 2025, questioning the NIA's delayed response despite the high court's earlier comments allowing an investigation.
- The Supreme Court suggested that the Calcutta High Court should resolve the matter after reviewing the NIA's report, which is to be submitted in a sealed cover.
