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AIPPM Agenda Overview for S-IMUN'24

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34 views22 pages

AIPPM Agenda Overview for S-IMUN'24

Uploaded by

sashrutha1411
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

S IMUN’24

All India Political Parties Meet

OLITICAL PART
A P IES
DI M
IN EE
LL T
A

Agenda:
“Evaluating the Implications and Reforms of the Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)”

Executive Board:-
Yoghan Faria (Head Chair)
Ritvik Jack (Vice- Chair)
Jessica John (Moderator)
CONTENTS
Letter From The Executive Board

About The Committee

Rules Of Procedures

Introduction

The Unlawful Activities( Prevention)


Act ( UAPA)

Issues Raised In Judgement

Issues To Disscuss

Summary

Terms To Know

2
Recommended Topics To Read

Terms To Know

Questions To Consider

Recommended Topics To Read

Parliamentarians And Their Stance

Tips To Research

Suggested Mod Cauc Topics

3
LETTER FROM
THE EXECUTIVE
BOARD
Honorable Delegates,

Welcome to the All India Political Parties Meet (AIPPM) at the Stanes: International
Model United Nations (S-IMUN)! We’re excited to have you join us for what promises to
be a day filled with intense discussions, innovative solutions, and memorable
experiences.

As your Head Chair, I, Yoghan Faria, along with our Vice Chair, D Ritvik Jack, and our
Moderator, Jessica John are here to make this conference as rewarding and enjoyable
as possible. We’re not just here to lead; we’re here to support you, challenge you, and
watch you thrive.

In this committee, you’ll have the chance to step into the shoes of political figures,
navigating the landscape of policy and public opinion. Representing a political party is
not easy—you’ll be balancing principles with practicalities, handling opposing views, and
working toward solutions that can truly impact people’s lives. And while it may seem
daunting at times, remember that growth often comes from the toughest challenges.

Regardless of your prior experience as a parliamentarian, we assure you that the agenda
at hand can be picked up and discussed by those who haven’t participated in an MUN
before, and those who live and breathe conferences.

We’re all here to learn from one another. So ask questions, take risks, and most
importantly, be yourselves. Bring your passion, your curiosity, and your ideas into this
room. Don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts or listen with empathy. Every opinion
matters, and every contribution counts.

This guide is a very simple overview of the agenda at hand. We encourage all of you to
research further and present your arguments in a dignified manner.

We can’t wait to see what each of you brings to the table, and we’re honoured to be part
of your MUN journey. Let’s make this AIPPM session one to remember!

With best wishes,

Yoghan Faria - Head Chair D Ritvik Jack - Vice Chair Jessica John - Moderator

4
ABOUT THE
COMMITTEE
All India Political Parties Meet (AIPPM)

Welcome to the All India Political Parties Meet, a committee that


truly reflects the heart and soul of Indian politics. Here, leaders and
representatives from different political parties come together to
discuss and debate the most pressing issues facing our country. This
OLITICAL PART
isn’t about numbers or who IN
DI
A P has the IES
M majority—it’s about ideas,
EE
LL T
arguments, and trying to find
A
common ground.

In the AIPPM, you will step into the shoes of real Indian political
leaders, speaking their words, representing their ideologies, and
defending their decisions. It’s a space where different opinions
collide, where heated debates are not just expected but celebrated.
This is the essence of democracy—where every voice matters, and
every perspective has a place.

Get ready to experience the drama, the negotiations, and the


challenges of finding solutions in a diverse and complex country like
ours. This committee is as much about understanding Indian politics
as it is about honing your skills to speak, convince, and lead.

So, buckle up and bring your best arguments to the table. Welcome
to the AIPPM—where the politics is real, the debates are lively, and
the decisions are yours to make.

5
RULES OF
PROCEDURES
1) Roll Call -
At the beginning of the committee and before documentation,
the EB shall be taking a roll call. During this time, a parliamentarian is expected to
raise their placard and confirm their presence with “Present” or “Present And
Voting”. Based upon the roll call, there shall be three kinds of majority decided
upon by the EB:

Quorum = ⅓ of the total number of committee members present.


This shall be the minimum number of parliamentarians required to continue with
committee proceedings.
OLITICAL PART
A P IES
DI M
IN EE
LL T
A
Simple Majority = 50% of the total number of committee members present + 1. This
shall be the minimum number of votes required to pass a motion for discussion
hours.

2/3 Majority = ⅔ of the total number of committee members present. This shall be
the minimum number of parliamentarians required to pass one of the following
motions: Motion to Adjourn Committee, Motion to Table a Bill, Motion to Move into
Voting on a Bill, Motion to move into a Question and Answer session on a bill. This
will also be the minimum number of votes required to pass a bill.

2) Opening Statements -
These shall be 60 seconds ( 1 Minute ) speeches given by parliamentarians to
present their views on the agenda. We shall be recognizing points of
information on these speeches to promote debate. This speech shall only take
place once for each delegate.
We encourage all of you to have your opening statements ready as a priority.

3) Address -
First person pronouns are strictly Prohibited in this committee by the Parliamentarians you
represent.

6
4) Bills
Regarding the bills, we expect the ruling party and their allies to submit the
bill as a Bloc or an Alliance to show their unity. However, members of the
opposition may submit bills individually, or as an Alliance or a Bloc based
upon their stance.

5) Press Release
Press Releases shall be marked and must be based upon actual committee
proceedings. No fictional evidence will be tolerated. These releases will be sent to the
WhatsApp group AIPPM after review and can be used as supplements during
debate.

OLITICAL PART
A P IES
DI M
IN EE
LL T
A

6) Moderated and Unmoderated Caucuses


Moderated and Unmoderated Caucuses have been renamed as “Public Discussion Hour”
and “Private Discussion Hour”. Their purpose and function however shall remain the
same.

7) Points and Motions


Points and Motions shall function as normal like other UN committees.

8) Position Papers
Position Papers are mandatory for this committee and will be carried out a good
amount of marks if submitted and papers containing AI plagiarised content more
than 20% will be immediately scraped off by the Executive Board.
Further instructions regarding ROP will be disseminated through specific committee
orientation classes or on the day of committee [Link]

7
INTRODUCTION
India’s identity is rooted in justice, equality, and freedom—values intricately woven
into our Constitution, which serves as both a symbol of our shared ideals and the
foundation of our rights. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA),
established as a safeguard against terrorism and unlawful activities, underscores
our nation’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and unity. Yet, like any powerful law,
the UAPA has sparked a lively debate around where we should draw the line
between necessary security measures and the preservation of individual rights.

At the heart of this debate lies the balance between state security and fundamental
rights.
The UAPA grants authorities the power to detain individuals without bail for
extended periods, challenging the constitutional guarantees of life and liberty
enshrined in Articles 21 and 22, which protect individuals from arbitrary detention.
The Act’s expansive definitions, particularlyOLITICAaround
L PAR
“unlawful activities,” intersect
A P TIE
DI SM
IN EE
with freedoms protected by Article A
LL 19—the right to free T expression—and Article 25—
the right to religious freedom. Over time, the UAPA has not only addressed violent
extremism but has also been invoked in cases involving activists, journalists, and
dissenters, raising questions about its scope and application.

This conversation brings to the forefront essential legal protections found in India’s
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which traditionally prioritises fair procedures,
access to legal recourse, and the right to bail under ordinary circumstances. The
UAPA, however, departs from these principles in favour of security, granting
considerable authority to bodies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with
limited judicial oversight. Such broad powers, although vital for combating
terrorism, can sometimes blur the line between securing the state and protecting
individual liberties.

As we begin this discussion, we are called upon to consider whether the UAPA
should be reformed to introduce clearer definitions and stronger safeguards,
ensuring that the rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 32—the rights to equality
before the law and constitutional remedies—remain fully protected. Would judicial
oversight mechanisms, for instance, allow the UAPA to operate as a more focused
tool, targeting genuine threats without casting an overly wide net?

As parliamentarians, our role is to approach these questions thoughtfully, balancing


the need for national security with a commitment to the constitutional rights that
define India. The Executive Board looks forward to a robust debate, with the aim of
reaching a consensus that reflects our democratic values and ensures that security
laws like the UAPA both protect and respect the freedoms of every Indian citizen.

8
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
( UAPA)

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a law in India created to


protect the country’s unity, sovereignty, and security by targeting
activities and groups that could harm it. It allows the government to ban
organizations and even label individuals as terrorists if they are involved
in activities that threaten national peace.

The law gives authorities the power to arrest and detain people for longer
periods without regular bail, which is meant to help fight terrorism and
serious crimes. However, it has been OLITICcriticized
AL PAR for being too harsh and
A P TIE
DI SM
sometimes misused to target A
LL activists, journalists,
IN EE
T or those with opposing
views. While it aims to keep the country safe, many feel it needs better
safeguards to ensure innocent people aren’t wrongfully punished.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a law in India created to


fight terrorism and protect national security. It allows the government to
label groups and individuals as terrorists if they are seen as a threat to the
country’s peace and unity. One of the key features of the law is that it lets
authorities detain people for up to 180 days without charging them,
giving the police time to gather evidence and stop potential threats. This
helps the government act quickly when dealing with serious security
issues.

Supporters of the UAPA, mostly from the ruling BJP and other security-
focused parties, argue that the law is important to protect India from
terrorism and violence. They believe it is necessary to have strong laws to
deal with dangerous groups and individuals that threaten the country’s
safety.

9
However, the law has been criticized by opposition parties like the Indian
National Congress, CPI(M), and other regional groups. These critics feel
that the UAPA gives the government too much power, which could be
misused to target political opponents, activists, and people who speak
out against the government. They worry it limits freedom of speech and
could silence dissent.

Human rights groups, like Amnesty International and People’s Union for
Civil Liberties, also argue that the law is too vague and often misused.
They say it violates basic rights, like the right to a fair trial and free
expression. Since the law allows people to be detained for long periods
without a charge, critics argue that it can lead to wrongful arrests and
unjust treatment. ITICAL P
OL ART
A P IES
DI M
IN EE
LL T
A
The main debate around UAPA is finding a balance between keeping
the country safe and protecting individual rights. While the law aims to
tackle real security threats, many believe it needs stronger safeguards to
prevent its misuse and protect the freedoms of ordinary citizens.

10
ISSUES RAISED IN
JUDGEMENT
Several Supreme Court rulings have highlighted key issues in
the application of UAPA:

Freedom of Expression vs. National Security:


Many cases show a conflict between protecting freedom of speech and national
security. Critics argue that UAPA is increasingly used to silence political opposition
and peaceful protests. POLI
TICAL PAR
TI
A ES
DI M
IN EE
LL T
A

Preventive Detention and Fundamental Rights


: UAPA’s preventive detention provisions often conflict with fundamental rights like
the right to a fair trial. Many argue that personal liberty should not be
compromised based on suspicion alone.

Overreach in Terrorism Charges:


The law has been used to charge individuals or organizations with terrorism even
when they haven’t engaged in violent acts. This raises questions about whether the
law is being overused for acts that should be treated as political or civil matters, not
terrorism.

11
ISSUES TO DISCUSS
The major problems surrounding UAPA today include:

1. Abuse of Power:
The law can be used to target political opponents, activists, and anyone critical of
the government. There’s a concern that it’s often applied more for political reasons
than for actual national security.

2. Lack of Adequate Legal Protections:


IA
POLI
TICAL PAR
TIE
S
D M
IN
Those accused under UAPA don’t Aalways
LL have enough
EE
T legal safeguards, which
makes it easier for the law to be misused. People can be held for long periods
without evidence or trial.

3. Disproportionate Impact on Minorities:


Many feel that UAPA is disproportionately used against minority communities,
especially in conflict areas, leading to fears that the law is being used to further
divide rather than protect the country.

4. Failure to Differentiate Terrorism from Political Protest:


UAPA has been used against peaceful protesters and activists, leading to concerns
that the law is treating political dissent and activism as terrorism.

5. Lack of Judicial Oversight:


Courts often give broad powers to the government under UAPA, and judicial
oversight is limited. This means that there’s not enough accountability for how the
law is applied.

12
SUMMARY

Today, UAPA is seen by some as a necessary tool to keep the country safe from
terrorism. However, its wide scope and ability to detain people without trial have
led to serious concerns.

Many believe that UAPA violates human rights and that its provisions are too
broad, allowing the government to useITIit for political repression rather than
OL CAL PART
A P
protecting the country from realL terrorist
IN
DI threats.
IES
M
E
L ET
A

While the government argues that UAPA is essential for national security, critics
believe the law often targets innocent people and undermines democracy by
silencing dissent.

There is a growing call for reforms to ensure that UAPA is only used in cases
where real threats exist, and that individuals' rights are protected.

13
TERMS TO KNOW
Here are some terms that are central to understanding the
debate on UAPA:

Preventive Detention:
Holding someone in custody without trial based on suspicion, even before
charges are filed against them.

Terrorism: POLI
TICAL PAR
TIE
IA S
The use of violence or threats toLLachieve
IN
D
political
M
EEor ideological goals, often
T
A
targeting civilians.

Unlawful Organizations:
Groups that are banned by the government due to their involvement in
promoting violence or terrorism.

Burden of Proof:
The requirement for the accused to prove they are not guilty under UAPA, even
though the usual legal principle is that people are innocent until proven guilty.

National Security:
The protection of the nation from threats like terrorism and external aggression.

14
QUESTIONS TO
CONSIDER
[Link] UAPA too broad in its application? Is it being used more for political reasons
than to fight terrorism?

[Link] can UAPA be reformed to ensure it’s not used to suppress political voices or
target vulnerable communities?
OLITICAL PART
A P IES
DI M
IN EE
LL T
A

[Link] protections can be put in place to prevent the misuse of UAPA by


authorities?

[Link] can we ensure that UAPA respects human rights while also addressing real
threats to national security?

[Link] UAPA comply with international human rights standards, and shewhat
reforms are needed to bring it in line?

15
RECOMMENDED
TOPICS TO READ
To further understand the issues surrounding UAPA, delegates should explore these
sources:

Supreme Court Judgments on UAPA


– Available on the Supreme Court of India’s website.

"The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act: A Critical Analysis"


– India Law Journal IA
POLI
TICAL PAR
TIE
S
D M
IN EE
LL T
A

"UAPA and Human Rights in India"


– Human Rights Watch

"Impact of UAPA on Democracy"


– The Wire

"The UAPA and the Role of Judiciary in Terrorism Cases"


– Bar & Bench

16
ABOUT THE
PARLIAMENTARIANS
AND THEIR STANCE
Below is a list of the most relevant political figures, organized by their political
influence and importance in shaping the debate on the Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act (UAPA):

1. Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister of India and leader of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), Modi’s
stance on national security and policiesIAsurrounding
POLI
TICAL PAR
TIE
SM
laws like UAPA will drive much
D
IN
of the conversation regarding counter-terrorism
A
LL measures.
EE
T

2. Amit Shah
The Home Minister of India, Shah is instrumental in shaping policies related to
internal security, including the implementation of UAPA. His leadership will
significantly influence discussions about the law's role in national security.

3. Nirmala Sitharaman
The Finance Minister of India is crucial in shaping how national security laws like
UAPA intersect with economic policies, including financial monitoring of unlawful
activities related to terrorism.

4. JP Nadda
The President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Nadda plays a critical role in
determining the political direction of the ruling party, especially regarding the
application of security laws.

5. Yogi Adityanath
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has been an advocate for using UAPA to curb
violence and separatism in his state. His views will be central to debates on how the
law affects state-level governance.

6. Dr. S. Jaishankar
The Foreign Minister of India will bring a broader perspective to the table,
especially regarding how UAPA aligns with international human rights standards
and India’s foreign relations.

17
7. Subramanian Swamy
A senior BJP leader, Swamy has expressed strong views on national security and
is likely to advocate for the effective use of UAPA as a tool to fight terrorism.

8. Maneka Gandhi
A prominent BJP leader, she has been an advocate for human rights and will
provide insights on the balance between national security and civil liberties.

9. Mamata Banerjee
The Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress, Mamata
Banerjee has frequently criticized UAPA, especially concerning its use against
political opposition.
OLITICAL PART
A P IES
DI M
IN EE
LL T
A

10. Rahul Gandhi


The Leader of the Congress Party, Gandhi has been a vocal critic of the
government's handling of dissent and the potential misuse of laws like UAPA.

11. Mallikarjun Kharge


The Leader of the Congress in Rajya Sabha, Kharge has raised concerns about
UAPA's abuse against political opponents and activists.

112. Shashi Tharoor


A senior Congress leader, Tharoor is a staunch critic of the misuse of UAPA and is
likely to advocate for its reform to protect fundamental rights.

13. Priyanka Gandhi


A senior Congress leader, Priyanka Gandhi has been vocal about the misuse of UAPA
against activists and political dissidents.

14. P. Chidambaram
A former Home Minister and Finance Minister, Chidambaram has often questioned
the application of UAPA, especially its impact on civil liberties.

15. Annamalai Kuppaswamy


A key leader in the Tamil Nadu BJP, Annamalai has supported UAPA’s use in
countering terrorism and insurgency, particularly in southern states.

18
16. Eknath Sambhaji Shinde
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shinde’s views on the use of UAPA will be
critical in understanding how the law affects larger, multi-ethnic states.

17. Pawan Kalyan


A prominent actor-turned-politician, Pawan Kalyan leads the Jana Sena Party and
is expected to contribute insights from the perspective of regional parties,
especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

18. Nitish Kumar


The Chief Minister of Bihar, Kumar’s party, the JD(U), has been involved in national
security discussions and has expressed concerns about the potential misuse of
UAPA.

OLITICAL PART
A P IES
DI M
IN EE
19. Chandrababu Naidu A
LL T

The Leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Naidu’s views on UAPA’s impact on
regional autonomy and the use of national security laws will be significant in the
dialogue.

20. Biren Singh


The Chief Minister of Manipur, Biren Singh’s government has used UAPA in the
context of insurgency, highlighting the law’s application in conflict zones.

21. MK Stalin
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of the DMK, Stalin has been a vocal
critic of the law, especially regarding its use against political dissent.

22. Akhilesh Yadav


The Leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Yadav’s stance will be critical in
understanding the opposition’s views on the law and its impact on democracy.

23. DK Shivakumar
The President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, Shivakumar’s role
in opposition politics makes him an important voice on how UAPA is being used at
the state level.

19
TIPS TO RESEARCH

By following this guide, you’ll be well prepared to participate in


AIPPM and effectively represent your party’s interests and
solutions

1. Understand Your Committee, Portfolio, and


Position
Be prepared on your portfolio (e.g.,POAmit
LITICAL PShah
ART or another key political leader).
A IES
DI
Understand their past actions, LL
IN political Mideologies,
EE
T
and future policy
A
recommendations. Research your country’s political stance, party alliances,
and the leader’s key policy goals.

2. Start with the Background Guide


Read the background guide carefully to understand the major issues that will
be discussed in the committee. This will help you get a sense of the topic
areas and the relevant political context.

3. Research the Topic Thoroughly


Look for credible news articles, scholarly papers, government reports, and
trusted resources on the agenda topics. Cross-reference your information to
verify accuracy and comprehensiveness.

4. Understand Your Country’s Political Position


Study your country’s history, culture, political structure, and foreign policy.
This will help you align your stance with national interests and political
objectives

20
5. Identify Key Stakeholders and Their Interests
Recognize the political parties, leaders, and groups involved. Understand
how they are affected by the issue and what their political objectives are.

6. Develop Your Position


Based on your research, decide your party’s stance on the issue. Consider their
political priorities and propose potential solutions or policy recommendations
aligned with their goals.

OLITICAL PART
A P IES
DI
7. Use Diverse Sources A
LL
IN M
EE
T

Don’t rely on just one or two websites. Look for a variety of perspectives,
including news outlets, academic journals, party manifestos, and reports from
NGOs and government bodies.

8. Critically Evaluate Your Sources


Assess the credibility of your sources. Look for up-to-date and reliable
information from recognized authors and institutions to support your
arguments.

9. Take Detailed Notes


As you gather information, take notes so you can quickly access critical facts
when preparing speeches or engaging in debates.

10. Organize Your Research


After gathering your research, organize it in a way that’s logical and easy to
reference. This will help you participate effectively in discussions and make your
points clearly during the AIPPM sessions.

21
SUGGESTED MOD CAUC
TOPICS
1. The Legality and Constitutionality of Preventive Detention under
UAPA:

2. Reforming the Burden of Proof in UAPA Cases:

3. Distinguishing Terrorism from


ND
Political
IA
POLI
TICAL PAR
TDissent:
IES
M
I EE
LL T
A

4. Enhancing Judicial Oversight in UAPA-Related Cases:

5. Reevaluating the Role of the Ministry of Home Affairs in UAPA:

6. International Human Rights Standards vs. National Security


Concerns:

7. Transparency and Accountability in UAPA Investigations:

8. The Effectiveness of UAPA in Combating Terrorism:

9. Role of Civil Society in UAPA Reforms:

10. Balancing National Security and Civil Liberties in Counterterrorism


Laws:

22

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