A group of prominent political and cultural figures has urged the UDF government to step back from strengthening the use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in Kerala, warning that its application against political activists signals a slide towards “emergency-like repression”.

In a memorandum submitted to the government, signatories including K. Satchidanandan, Sara Joseph, Sebastian Paul, B. Rajeevan, K. Ajitha, Geethanandan, M.N. Karassery, M.N. Ravunni, Anwar Ali and Rafeeq Ahammed expressed strong concern over the renewed invocation of the stringent law.

The delegation met the Home Minister at the Secretariat on Friday and also held discussions with other members of the UDF Cabinet before submitting the memorandum.

The petition criticised the government for initiating fresh UAPA-linked investigation proceedings within weeks of assuming office, including in a conspiracy case dating back to 2012, in which around 25 political activists have reportedly been named as accused. It also flagged moves to challenge court orders that had earlier dropped UAPA charges in certain cases.

The cultural leaders pointed out that during the previous LDF government, there had been growing public opposition to the law, which led to restraint in granting prior sanction for UAPA cases and a decision not to pursue appeals in cases where courts had discharged the charges.

In contrast, they alleged, the present government—led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan with Ramesh Chennithala as Home Minister, who used to take a stand against the UAPA —has taken a regressive stand by reviving and expanding the use of UAPA.

Calling for an immediate course correction, the memorandum demanded that the government withdraw from invoking UAPA in such cases and use its powers to review and cancel existing cases filed under the Act.