UAPA Arrests With Low Convictions Cannot Be Model Of Viksit Bharat: SC Judge

• Justice Ujjal Bhuyan criticizes widespread use of UAPA, citing low conviction rates (around 5%) despite thousands of arrests.
• He states that prolonged detention without chargesheet in UAPA cases, given low conviction, undermines 'bail is the norm, jail the exception' principle.
• Emphasizes that 'Viksit Bharat' requires greater space for debate and dissent, warning against criminalizing expression and advocating for tolerance of diverse views.
• Highlights deep social inequalities, including caste-based discrimination and atrocities against Dalits, as obstacles to a developed India.
• Questions judiciary's association with political slogans like 'Viksit Bharat' and suggests 2050 as a more appropriate milestone for judicial reflection.