Opposition says Unlawful activities bill could be misused

The Opposition on Thursday criticised the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill 2019 in the Rajya Sabha, saying it does not clearly state as to how a a person would be a labelled a terrorist and could be misused.

The Congress-led opposition demanded the Bill be sent to a select committee for further discussion, as in the current form it could be stuck down by the Court.

Speaking during the debate on the bill, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said it could be misused to label anyone as a terrorist.

"I support this Bill if you agree to sent this to a select committee. Otherwise I oppose it," Sibal said.

He said every member in the House is against terrorism but at the same time it was the responsibility of all the parties to see that the law is not misused.

Citing earlier anti-terror laws like TADA, POTA, he said there were several instances where such laws were misused in the country.

"Misuse happens..We want to fight terrorism but we should also know what is happening on the ground...the Bill will be challenged in the Court and stuck down..then again it will have to be brought to Parliament..it is endless process," Sibal said.

He further said: "We are not against the Bill but how will you label a person terrorist? It is not clear in the Bill."