In India, which Act provided the framework to deal with unlawful and terrorist activities?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (a) UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act)

Explanation:

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is the primary law in India that provides a legal framework to deal with unlawful and terrorist activities. It was originally enacted in 1967 to curb secessionist and anti-national activities but was later amended multiple times, notably in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2019, to include anti-terrorism provisions.

The UAPA empowers the government to declare an organization or an individual as a terrorist entity, seize their properties, and detain suspects without immediate trial. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is the primary enforcement agency under this Act.

Information Booster:

● Originally enacted in 1967, it was amended in 2004 to include anti-terrorism provisions after POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was repealed.
● The 2019 amendment gave the government the power to designate individuals as terrorists, not just organizations.
● The Act allows authorities to detain suspects for up to 180 days without filing a charge sheet.
● It provides legal backing for banning terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and ISIS.
● The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been given the authority to investigate UAPA cases across states.

Additional Knowledge:

• (b) POSCO Act: Incorrect; The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 deals with child protection against sexual abuse.
• (c) MISA: Incorrect; The Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), 1971 was a law used during the Emergency (1975-77) for detaining individuals without trial but was later repealed in 1979.
• (d) DIR Act: Incorrect; The Defence of India Rules (DIR Act, 1962) was enacted during the Indo-China War (1962) to strengthen national security but is no longer in force.