False cases, custodial violence: Activists fear Kerala jails are making their own Stan Swamys

The piece concerns the application of anti-terrorism laws and high security jails against individuals expressing dissent against state actions. Based on the state of Kerala, the author documents a few instances of detention by state authorities under UAPA provisions based on weak or no real evidence. It highlights how such prisoners are repeatedly denied bails and detained for years until the trials are concluded. The frail health conditions of some of the prisoners make it even more desperate situation when they are kept in high security prisons with limited access to family, medical facilities and proper care. They instead face more invasions of privacy, body and cavity searches and torture.