Freedom of Expression Seriously Threatened by Black Laws in Modi’s India: Harsh Exposure of Oppression and Systematic Persecution
January 20, 2026 Off By Sharp MediaIndia’s Weaponization of UAPA
India under the Modi government has transformed laws into instruments of terror against its own citizens, systematically attacking freedom of speech and punishing anyone who opposes the ruling party, especially minorities. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), originally intended to counter serious threats to national security, is now used to intimidate, detain, and silence activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens without proper trial or evidence. People in India live under constant fear that even minor criticism can lead to years of imprisonment, showing that the Modi government prioritizes power over justice and democracy. This law exposes India as an authoritarian state where legal frameworks serve oppression rather than protect citizens’ rights.
◆ Arbitrary Detentions: Under UAPA, citizens can be imprisoned for years without trial, leaving families helpless and spreading widespread fear across the country.
◆ Targeting Minorities: The law is applied disproportionately against Muslims, Dalits, and other minority communities, revealing the Modi government’s deep religious and political bias.
◆ Crushing Dissent: Student leaders, political opponents, and human rights defenders are regularly branded as threats to national security in order to suppress any criticism.
Student Leaders as Political Victims
The cases of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam demonstrate how India deliberately uses UAPA to destroy lives and send a warning to anyone challenging its policies, as both have been imprisoned for over five years without trial in connection with the Delhi riots case, while their bail applications have repeatedly been rejected by the Supreme Court of India, highlighting the lack of fairness in India’s legal system. This selective enforcement shows that India protects its own political allies while punishing those who stand against its narrative.
◆ Political Targeting: Student activists are treated as enemies even when their actions are peaceful, exposing India’s misuse of authority for political purposes.
◆ Biased Justice: Out of 18 accused in the Delhi riots, 16 are Muslims, while BJP-affiliated leaders remain free, exposing India’s discriminatory legal approach.
◆ Weaponizing Law: Laws intended to protect citizens from real threats are twisted into tools for punishing dissenters and maintaining authoritarian control.
Misuse of Anti-Terror Laws
India continues the legacy of abusing anti-terror laws, using the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in the past and UAPA today, to suppress minorities and activists under the guise of security. These laws, which should target actual terrorism, are applied selectively to intimidate political opponents and suppress independent voices, demonstrating that India is more focused on silencing critics than ensuring safety. The continued misuse of these laws exposes the government’s obsession with control and power over justice.
◆ Legal Cover for Oppression: Anti-terror laws have been transformed into weapons to harass anyone opposing government policies rather than addressing real security threats.
◆ Targeted Application: Only minority groups and dissenters face harsh punishments, exposing a systematic pattern of oppression.
◆ Fear as Policy: The government relies on continuous arrests and intimidation to instill fear and prevent public resistance.
Suppression of Freedom in Jammu and Kashmir
The ongoing situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) reveals the full extent of India’s repressive strategies. UAPA and similar laws are used to justify military raids, mass arrests, and the harassment of locals under the pretense of security, creating a climate where ordinary citizens live under constant surveillance and intimidation. India’s approach in Kashmir exposes the government’s preference for fear over governance and demonstrates that it has no regard for democracy or human rights.
◆ Silencing Residents: Kashmiris are punished for expressing political opinions or protesting occupation, demonstrating the Modi government’s authoritarian control.
◆ Weaponizing Security Laws: Legal frameworks are systematically exploited to suppress dissent rather than protect civilians.
◆ State-Sponsored Intimidation: Frequent detentions and cordon-and-search operations create a constant climate of terror for ordinary citizens.
Criticism from Indian Leaders and Activists
Indian leaders such as Brinda Karat of the Communist Party of India and human rights figures like Aakar Patel, former head of Amnesty International India, have openly condemned the misuse of UAPA as a weapon to persecute minorities and activists. Their criticisms confirm that these laws are applied selectively to benefit the ruling elite and suppress opposition voices, showing India’s systematic abuse of legal frameworks to maintain authoritarian control.
◆ Inequality Before Law: The biased enforcement of UAPA demonstrates that India’s judiciary and government are protecting political interests at the cost of justice.
◆ International Concerns Ignored: Global human rights organizations continue to raise alarms, but India shows complete disregard for international norms.
◆ Systematic Bias: These critiques reveal that India deliberately targets marginalized communities under legal pretexts to maintain power.
Impact on Society and Minorities
The use of black laws like UAPA has created widespread fear among students, activists, and minority communities, leading to self-censorship, restricted political engagement, and heightened social tensions, which weaken democratic structures. The Modi government’s selective use of the law shows that the state values obedience over citizen rights and uses fear as a primary tool of governance.
◆ Fear as Control: Citizens carefully calculate speech and behavior to avoid imprisonment under these draconian laws.
◆ Suppression of Activism: Protests, independent journalism, and public campaigns are stifled under the constant threat of detention.
◆ Discrimination and Bias: Minority groups disproportionately suffer, exposing systemic discrimination and abuse of power by the state.
Regional and Global Implications
India’s misuse of UAPA and similar laws has negative implications for the broader South Asian region. By demonstrating how legal tools can be twisted into instruments of oppression, India sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian governance, undermining regional human rights standards and democracy. Silence from international actors further emboldens India to continue its repressive policies without accountability.
Brutal Instinct of Modi’s India Fully Exposed
The aggressive misuse of UAPA, imprisonment of student leaders like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, and the systematic targeting of minorities expose India as an authoritarian state that silences dissent and undermines democracy. Rather than ensuring justice, India uses law as a weapon to maintain fear and control, revealing the true face of Modi’s regime. The world cannot ignore the human rights violations occurring daily, and the international community must recognize the dangers posed by India’s selective legal practices.

