The Central government has notified the appointment of Delhi High Court judge Justice Sachin Dutta as the presiding officer of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) Tribunal to review the 5-year ban imposed on the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) (MLJK-MA).
The MLJK-MA will now have the option to present its case before the tribunal that must confirm the government notification for the ban to continue.In accordance with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Central Government had officially declared the MLJK-MA an unlawful association on December 27, 2023 through a notification published in the Gazette of India.The UAPA provides that no such ban shall come into effect unless the same is confirmed by the UAPA Tribunal by an order made under Section 4 of the Act.In conformity with the Act, the government has now notified the tribunal.In its December 27 notification, the Central government had highlighted that the MLJK-MA is known for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. It was stated that the said organization has its objectives to get freedom for Jammu and Kashmir from India so as to realize the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan and establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir.Moreover, it was stated that the organization's leaders and members, particularly its Chairman Masarat Alam Bhat, have been indulging in unlawful activities which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, security and communal harmony of the country.Justice Datta had served as the Central government's standing counsel in the Delhi High Court for several years where he represented the Central government in a wide range of litigation.He also appeared for the Central government before the Supreme Court and before various tribunals established under the UAPA before being designated as a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in August 2014.Notably, Justice Datta is also part of the UAPA tribunal which is to review the ban imposed on Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP).The New Delhi Bar Association on Monday requested judicial officers not to pass any adverse orders for non-appearance of advocates and litigants on January 22, the day on which the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya is slated to be consecrated.In a letter addressed to the Principal District & Sessions Judge of the Patiala House Court, the Association's Honorary Secretary ON Sharma wrote,
“With due respect, we wish to state that due to "Praan Pratishtha of Bhagwan Shri Ram in Ayodhya" the advocates may not be able to appear in the court on 22d of January, 2024. Hence, it is requested that all the judicial officers may kindly be appropriately requested so that no adverse order passed on 22d of January, 2024 for non-appearance of the advocates or the litigants.”The temple inauguration ceremony, which will be presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be attended by a number of dignitaries. Over 8,000 guests are expected on the consecration day.
TAGS: Justice Sachin Dutta UAPA Tribunal 5-year ban Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) MLJK-MA
