A court in Delhi has sentenced life imprisonment to Asiya Andrabi who leads Dukhtaran-e-Millat for violating the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh delivered the judgment after hearing arguments about sentencing.
The court sentenced Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen who were co-accused to 30 years of prison time. The three had already been convicted on January 14 under UAPA Sections 20, 38, and 39 which relate to membership of and support to a terrorist organisation.
The court found them guilty of UAPA charges and multiple Indian Penal Code violations which included Section 153A (promoting enmity) 153B (prejudicial to national integration) Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) Section 505 (public mischief) and Section 121A (conspiracy against the State). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) requested maximum punishment for Andrabi during the hearing.
The agency argued that her actions were against the sovereignty of India and that a strong message should be sent against such offences. The case connects to accusations of separatist activities and anti-national conduct. The court has given out one of the most severe anti-terror punishments in recent times because of this verdict.
