Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Highlights Concerns Over UAPA and Gender Representation in Judiciary

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has raised critical issues regarding the misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the lack of female representation in the higher judiciary. Speaking at a conference in Bengaluru, he highlighted alarming statistics showing a low conviction rate under UAPA, suggesting many arrests are made without sufficient evidence. Furthermore, he pointed out the stark contrast in women's representation in district versus constitutional courts, questioning the criteria used in judicial appointments. His remarks call for a reevaluation of both the application of UAPA and the processes that lead to gender disparity in judicial roles.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 13:01 IST

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan's Remarks on UAPA and Judiciary

New Delhi/Bengaluru, Mar 23: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court has emphasized that achieving a developed India by 2047 cannot be realized through the suppression of dissent, arbitrary arrests under the UAPA, and existing societal divisions.

During his address at the inaugural national conference of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in Bengaluru, he expressed grave concerns regarding the enforcement of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He highlighted statistics from 2019 to 2023, arguing that a genuinely developed nation should uphold constitutional principles rather than political rhetoric.

Justice Bhuyan pointed out that the low conviction rates under UAPA indicate a potential overuse or misuse of the legislation. He noted that despite thousands being arrested, the conviction rate hovers around 5%.

He stated, "This consistently low conviction rate raises questions about the appropriateness of many arrests, suggesting they may have been made without adequate evidence, thus burdening the judicial system unnecessarily."

Additionally, Justice Bhuyan expressed disappointment over the underrepresentation of women in the higher judiciary. He compared this to the more than 50% representation of women in district judicial positions nationwide.

He questioned why this trend does not extend to constitutional courts, pointing out that since 1950, only 11 women have served as Supreme Court judges out of 287 total appointments, representing a mere 2%.

Justice Bhuyan further noted that women constitute only 14% of High Court judges, with only two women currently serving as chief justices in the 25 High Courts across the country.