SC says HC should first hear UAPA amendment pleas.

• The Supreme Court has ruled that petitions challenging the 2019 amendment in the UAPA must be heard by the High Court.

• The High Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, is urged to have the first opportunity to address the issue.

• Petitioners, including Sajal Awasthi, argue that the amended law allows the state to encroach upon fundamental rights such as dignity, free speech, and reputation.

• The petitioners argue that the burden of proving the state machinery wrong lies with the individual, arguing that tagging an individual as a ‘terrorist’ before trial commencement does not constitute following a lawful procedure.