{"id":26319,"date":"2024-02-08T12:42:40","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T12:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=26319"},"modified":"2024-02-08T12:42:44","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T12:42:44","slug":"human-right-activists-constantly-highlight-the-fact-that-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-1958-afspa-is-a-draconian-act-leading-to-cases-of-human-right-abuses-by-security-forces-what-sections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/human-right-activists-constantly-highlight-the-fact-that-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-1958-afspa-is-a-draconian-act-leading-to-cases-of-human-right-abuses-by-security-forces-what-sections\/","title":{"rendered":"Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court. (250 Words 15 Marks)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-gs-advance-and-mentorship-program-ampcsat?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Link&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Advanced\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) stands as a contentious piece of legislation within the realm of human rights activism. Human rights activists fervently argue against AFSPA, emphasizing its draconian nature and its role in perpetuating instances of human rights violations by security forces. At the crux of their opposition lie several sections of AFSPA that grant sweeping powers to the armed forces, often at the expense of civilian rights. One particularly contentious provision is Section 4(a) of AFSPA, which empowers any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, or any other person of equivalent rank to fire upon or otherwise use force, even leading to death, against individuals acting in contravention of the law or order issued under this Act. This broad mandate, activists argue, enables excessive use of force and leads to extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, and other forms of abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Section 6 of AFSPA provides immunity to armed forces personnel from legal proceedings without the prior sanction of the central government. This immunity shield, according to critics, fosters a culture of impunity, where security personnel operate without fear of accountability for their actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In evaluating the necessity of AFSPA, the perspective of the Apex Court holds considerable significance. While the Supreme Court of India has recognized the legitimate concerns regarding human rights abuses under AFSPA, it has also acknowledged the complex security situation in areas where the Act is enforced. The Court has emphasized the need for balance, advocating for measures to prevent abuse while acknowledging the security challenges faced by armed forces in conflict zones. However, the Court has also issued directives to ensure accountability and transparency in cases of alleged human rights violations under AFSPA, signaling the imperative for judicial oversight and adherence to constitutional principles even in areas marked by insurgency or unrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tag: <\/strong>Challenges to internal security through communication network, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges.<strong> <\/strong>Security challenges and their management in border areas- linkages with organized crime with terrorism.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d5e1807f1d7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d5e1807f1d7\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/human-right-activists-constantly-highlight-the-fact-that-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-1958-afspa-is-a-draconian-act-leading-to-cases-of-human-right-abuses-by-security-forces-what-sections\/#Decoding_the_Question\" title=\"Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/human-right-activists-constantly-highlight-the-fact-that-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-1958-afspa-is-a-draconian-act-leading-to-cases-of-human-right-abuses-by-security-forces-what-sections\/#Answer\" title=\"Answer:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Answer:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/human-right-activists-constantly-highlight-the-fact-that-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-1958-afspa-is-a-draconian-act-leading-to-cases-of-human-right-abuses-by-security-forces-what-sections\/#The_salient_features_of_the_AFSPA_act_are\" title=\"The salient features of the AFSPA act are:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">The salient features of the AFSPA act are:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/human-right-activists-constantly-highlight-the-fact-that-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-1958-afspa-is-a-draconian-act-leading-to-cases-of-human-right-abuses-by-security-forces-what-sections\/#There_are_two_important_cases_related_to_AFSPA_file_in_SC\" title=\"There are two important cases related to AFSPA file in SC:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">There are two important cases related to AFSPA file in SC:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/human-right-activists-constantly-highlight-the-fact-that-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-1958-afspa-is-a-draconian-act-leading-to-cases-of-human-right-abuses-by-security-forces-what-sections\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/human-right-activists-constantly-highlight-the-fact-that-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-1958-afspa-is-a-draconian-act-leading-to-cases-of-human-right-abuses-by-security-forces-what-sections\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decoding_the_Question\"><\/span><strong>Decoding the Question:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>In the introduction write in general about the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>In Body,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>You need to write about a section of the AFSPA act that is criticized by human rights activists and relate how these sections are violating human rights.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Critically evaluate the answer concerning the Supreme Court\u2019s judgment in this regard.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>In Conclusion<\/strong> <strong>your answer with a balanced tone of language.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer\"><\/span><strong>Answer:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is an act empowering armed forces to deal effectively in disturbed areas. Any area which is declared \u2018\u2019disturbed\u2019\u2019 under Disturbed Areas Act enables armed forces to resort to the provisions of AFSPA.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-csat-test-series?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=CSAT+Test+Series\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42415 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/7.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/7-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/7-585x137.png 585w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1280px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1280\/300;\" \/><\/a><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-csat-test-series\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UPSC CSAT Test Series<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_salient_features_of_the_AFSPA_act_are\"><\/span><strong>The salient features of the AFSPA act are:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The Governor of a State and the Central Government are empowered to declare any part or full of any state as a disturbed area if according to their opinion that it has become necessary to disrupt the terrorist activity or any such activity that might impinge on the sovereignty of India or cause insult to the national flag, anthem or India\u2019s Constitution.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Section (3)<\/strong> of AFSPA <strong>provides that, if the governor of a state issues an official notification in The Gazette of India then the Central government has the authority to deploy armed forces for assisting the civilian authorities<\/strong>. Once a region is declared \u2018disturbed\u2019 then it has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months, as per&nbsp; The Disturbed Areas Act of 1976.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Section (4)<\/strong> of AFSPA gives special powers to army officers in disturbed areas to shoot (even if it kills) any individual who violates the law \/ or is suspected to violate the law (this includes assembly of five or more people, carrying of weapons) etc. The only condition is that the officer has to give a warning before opening fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Security forces can arrest anybody even without a warrant, and carry out searches without consent.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Once a person is taken into custody, he\/she has to be handed over to the nearest police station as soon as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>Prosecution of the officer on duty for alleged violation of human rights requires the prior permission of the Central Government.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"There_are_two_important_cases_related_to_AFSPA_file_in_SC\"><\/span><strong>There are two important cases related to AFSPA file in SC:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of AFSPA in a 1998 judgment <strong>(Naga People\u2019s Movement of Human Rights v. Union of India).<\/strong> In this judgment, the Supreme Court arrived at certain conclusions including\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A suo-motto declaration can be made by the Central government; however, the state government should be consulted by the central government before making the declaration.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>AFSPA does not confer arbitrary powers to declare an area as a \u2018disturbed area\u2019\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>The declaration has to be for a limited duration and there should be a periodic review of the declaration that 6 months have expired.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>While exercising the powers conferred upon him by AFSPA, the authorized officer should use the minimal force necessary for effective action.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>The authorized officer should strictly follow the \u2018Dos and Don\u2019ts\u2019 issued by the Army.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The apex court, in 2016, in the Extra Judicial Execution <strong>Victim Families Association vs Union of India<\/strong>, ended the impunity of the security forces for human rights violations under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. The SC stated that every death caused by the armed forces in a disturbed area, whether the victim is a dreaded criminal a militant a terrorist or an insurgent, should be thoroughly enquired into.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, the application of AFSPA in any state can be made with prior discussion of state government and this should be used as the last tool to restore peace and tranquility in affected areas. As the constitution protects everyone\u2019s life and liberty as well it talks about a welfare state, then multiple interventions in disturbed areas are needed to maintain peace as long-time affairs and by the development of backward regions should be the long-term vision.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Banner&amp;utm_campaign=Essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UPSC-Essay-Course-1280\u00d7300-1-3.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42688 lazyload\" width=\"781\" height=\"182\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 781px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 781\/182;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) stands as a contentious piece of legislation within the realm of human rights activism.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":26320,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1524],"tags":[1807,142,232,145,140],"class_list":["post-26319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-mains-solved-paper-gs-3","tag-armed-forces","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-mains-question-paper","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26319","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26319"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26319\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26321,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26319\/revisions\/26321"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26320"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26319"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26319"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26319"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}