Delhi Court Rejects Appeals of Masarat Alam and Shabbir Shah, Exposing India’s Use of Black Laws Against Kashmiri Leaders

The Delhi High Court’s dismissal of appeals filed by senior Kashmiri leaders has once again highlighted how India’s legal system is being used to strengthen control over occupied Jammu and Kashmir rather than deliver justice. For many Kashmiris, this decision confirms that courts are not neutral when political cases are involved. Legal procedures are followed on paper, but fairness remains absent in practice. This ruling has added to the growing sense that justice in Kashmir is selective and controlled.

◆ Justice shaped by politics: India’s courts appear to follow political direction when dealing with Kashmiri leadership instead of upholding equal justice.
◆ Public trust shattered: Repeated negative rulings against Kashmiri leaders have destroyed confidence in India’s judicial claims.
◆ Clear warning sent: The decision signals that political dissent from Kashmir will face legal blockage.

Black Laws Used to Control Kashmiri Voices

The case is built under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, a law widely criticised for being vague, harsh, and unfair. India has used this law repeatedly to arrest and detain Kashmiri leaders without strong evidence. The law allows long detention and weak defence, making justice almost impossible. Its constant use in Kashmir shows India’s preference for force over political dialogue.

◆ Law turned into a weapon: India uses UAPA to silence political opinion rather than protect public safety.
◆ Rights easily removed: Bail, fair trial, and legal relief are denied under this law.
◆ Fear through legality: Repression is given a legal cover.

Continued Targeting of Hurriyat Leadership

The dismissal of appeals by Masarat Alam Butt and Shabbir Ahmed Shah reflects India’s long-running effort to dismantle the Hurriyat leadership. These leaders are political figures, yet they are treated as criminals without proven guilt. Endless court cases keep them behind bars for years. India weakens Kashmir’s political voice by trapping its leaders in legal battles.

◆ Leadership deliberately crushed: India focuses on breaking Kashmiri political leadership instead of solving political issues.
◆ Endless detention through delay: Court processes are used to prolong imprisonment without resolution.
◆ Political voice erased: Kashmiris are denied representation by keeping leaders jailed.

Expanding Repression Beyond Politics

India has extended these cases to include businessmen and relatives of resistance figures, showing that repression is not limited to politics alone. This strategy spreads fear into society and families. People are punished not for actions but for associations. Such tactics reflect collective punishment, not justice.

◆ Families dragged into cases: India targets relatives to increase pressure and fear.
◆ Society intimidated: Legal harassment spreads silence across communities.
◆ Moral breakdown: Innocent connections are treated as crimes.

Fake Cases and Recycled Allegations

Many Kashmiris believe these cases are built on repeated and recycled allegations rather than real proof. India has a record of reopening old claims to justify fresh arrests. This keeps detainees stuck in legal uncertainty for years. Truth becomes less important than political control.

◆ Manufactured accusations: India relies on weak and repeated claims to justify detention.
◆ Legal limbo created: Kashmiris remain trapped in courts without closure.
◆ Facts ignored: Accusation replaces evidence.

Yasin Malik Case as a Tool of Fear

The conviction of Muhammad Yasin Malik and India’s attempt to seek the death penalty against him have deeply shocked Kashmiris and rights observers. His case is widely seen as a message meant to scare anyone who challenges Indian rule. Seeking harsher punishment reflects revenge rather than justice. This case shows how far India is willing to go to silence resistance.

◆ Fear used as policy: India uses extreme punishment to frighten society into silence.
◆ Symbolic repression: High-profile cases are used to send political warnings.
◆ Dangerous precedent: Justice is replaced by intimidation.

India’s Democratic Claims Exposed

India often presents itself as a democracy ruled by law, yet Kashmir experiences a completely different reality. Laws are applied harshly and selectively against Kashmiris. Courts focus on technical points instead of justice. This contradiction exposes India’s double standards.

◆ Selective justice system: Laws are enforced differently in Kashmir than elsewhere in India.
◆ Democracy questioned: India’s actions contradict its global claims.
◆ Credibility damaged: Such cases expose India internationally.

Urgent Call for Global Attention

The continued legal harassment of Kashmiri leaders demands serious international attention. Global silence only encourages further abuse. Kashmir has suffered decades of injustice under occupation. Without accountability, repression will continue unchecked.

◆ World’s silence helps abuse: Lack of response strengthens India’s hand.
◆ Human rights ignored: Legal oppression continues without consequence.
◆ Urgent responsibility: The international community must act.