JIH and APCR Urge Electoral Reforms, Justice for CAA Detainees, and Accountability from Institutions
At a joint press meet in New Delhi, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and APCR raised concerns over electoral transparency, judicial delay, and misuse of UAPA against anti-CAA protesters.
New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) have called for urgent reforms to strengthen India’s democracy, ensure free and fair elections, and address what they termed the “erosion of judicial integrity.”
At a press conference held at the JIH headquarters on Friday, JIH Vice President Professor Salim Engineer and APCR National Secretary Nadeem Khan expressed concern over electoral malpractices, crimes against women, and the continued detention of anti-CAA activists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Professor Salim emphasized that “free and fair elections are the foundation of democracy,” urging voters in Bihar to choose candidates based on issues like unemployment, inflation, and governance rather than fear or inducements. He appealed to political parties to avoid the use of money and muscle power during polls.
Citing reports of violence and killings during the election period, he called on the Election Commission of India to act impartially and restore public faith in the process. “People should elect leaders who stand for justice, harmony, and brotherhood, not those who promote division,” he said.
Turning to women’s safety, Professor Salim referred to NCRB’s 2023 data, which recorded over 4.48 lakh cases of crimes against women. He criticised the government for failing to implement effective post-Nirbhaya reforms and said the justice system remains slow and biased. “The law must protect the weak, not the powerful,” he remarked, urging faster, victim-centric justice.
Highlighting alleged electoral irregularities in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, he said around 65 lakh names were deleted from voter lists, including 22 lakh falsely marked as deceased, while some households had hundreds of voter IDs. He accused the Election Commission of “criminal negligence” and condemned direct cash transfers to women voters as “a clear violation of the election code.” JIH, he added, will soon launch a helpline to help citizens restore their voting rights.
Speaking on judicial delays, Nadeem Khan of APCR expressed outrage over the prolonged imprisonment of student leaders and anti-CAA protesters such as Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider under FIR 59. He said the case, filed five years ago, has been transferred among three judges with over 60 hearings but no charges framed.
Khan alleged that judges had been on leave around 60 times, while government lawyers were absent 55 times, reflecting “judicial paralysis” and systemic obstruction. “The police say the accused delayed proceedings, but the record shows otherwise. Bail is a rule, jail is an exception,” he reminded.
He also questioned whether mere participation in WhatsApp groups or student collectives like Pinjra Tod could justify five years of imprisonment. Khan urged the Supreme Court, now hearing the bail appeals of the detainees, to “restore justice and uphold constitutional freedoms.”
Concluding the briefing, both leaders called for judicial accountability, repeal of draconian laws like the UAPA, and transparent electoral reforms. “When institutions remain silent,” Professor Salim warned, “the very soul of democracy is endangered.”
JIH and APCR reaffirmed their commitment to defending civil rights, ensuring electoral fairness, and upholding the rule of law, stating that “democracy cannot survive where justice and fairness are denied.”
