ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 9: Social activist Payi Gyadi has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Guwahati High Court, Itanagar permanent bench, demanding the repeal of the controversial Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014 (APUAPA).
Addressing mediapersons at the press club on Friday, Gyadi alleged that the state government has been misusing the law to suppress public voices, particularly regarding the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) Job scam. Describing the law as draconian, illegal, unconstitutional, and arbitrary, Gyadi argued that it also violates Article 22 of the Indian constitution. The Court has issued a notice to the state government, requiring a response to the PIL within the next four weeks.
Gyadi highlighted the recent detention of individuals who raised their voices against the state government regarding the APPSC cash-for-job scam. "This incident serves as an example of how the law can be misused and is detrimental to activists fighting against corruption in the state," he said
Gyadi also questioned why the state government did not implement the law in previous years when there were numerous instances of bandh calls, resulting in the vandalism of shopping malls, vehicle damages, and disruption of peace in the state. He argued that there are various provisions within the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) that could have been used to address such situations, rather than resorting to detaining protesters under the APUAPA. Gyadi criticized the act for severely curtailing public rights, including denying access to legal representation, lack of provision for bail, and extended detention periods. He suggested that the Act is being deliberately and selectively used by the district administration to instill fear among the public.
Gyadi emphasized the need to use the APUAPA against officers involved in job scams and illegal teacher appointments, rather than targeting activists. He clarified that the PIL was filed solely in the interest of the public, with no personal or political motives. "Citizens have the right to question the state government regarding any irregularities and corrupt activities, and suppressing their voices through such a law is unacceptable in a democratic country," he said.
He revealed that the PIL was submitted to the court on June 7, 2023, presenting 13 points substantiating the call for repealing the APUAPA. He stated that the law acts as a shield for the state government and individuals engaged in corruption, providing no benefits to the public, and therefore should be revoked. Additionally, he noted that while bandh calls are considered illegal, they serve as a last resort for organizations when the state government fails to respond to genuine public concerns.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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