Mere association or support for a terror outfit does not attract UAPA: Supreme Court

Intent to act crucial, says SC in clarification on Sections 38, 39 of 1967 Act

The Supreme Court on Thursday held that “mere association” with a terrorist organisation as a member or otherwise is not sufficient to attract an offence under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.

Association or support for a terror outfit should be accompanied with an intention to commit acts to further the activities of the terrorist organisation, a Bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and Abhay S. Oka clarified in a judgment which may create significant ripples about the State’s use of powers to arrest and detain young persons under the terror law.