data | UAPA, PMLA, Section 153A: Increase in cases, less on conviction

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and Section 153A The Indian Penal Code (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, caste, place of birth, residence) has a similar link. In recent times, cases registered under these laws and sections have been on the rise, while convictions remain poor. below UAPA4,690 people were arrested between 2018 and 2020, but only 3% were convicted. As of March 2022, 5,422 cases had been registered under the PMLA, but only 23 resulted in conviction. The conviction rate under section 153A in 2020 was just 20.2%. Moreover, under the UAPA and PMLA, it is difficult to obtain bail, and hence the accused spend most of the trial period inside the jail. For example, of the 1,338 people convicted under the UAPA in UP between 2018 and 2020, only 6% were found guilty, while another 94% did not get bail.

Arrests under UAPA

The chart shows the number of people arrested and convicted, acquitted and granted bail under the UAPA between 2018 and 2020.

Hover over the chart to find the exact figures

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UAPA Data, State Wise

The chart shows the share of convicted, acquitted, bail and undertrials among those arrested under the UAPA between 2018 and 2020. For example, in J&K (in parentheses) 750 people were arrested, none of them were convicted. 47% were out on bail, 6% were acquitted while 46% were under trial in jail.

Arrests under PMLA

The chart shows the number of cases registered under PMLA. The number of cases has increased rapidly in recent years. Of the 5,422 cases registered till March 2022, only 23 have been convicted.

Section 153A

Among select major offences, cases registered under Section 153A had the lowest conviction rate (20.2%) in 2020.

Source: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, NCRB

Read also: How UAPA is ruining people’s lives