New Delhi, March 24 -- In a significant move, the Central Government on Monday empowered state governments to exercise its powers under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 to take action against the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has been declared an unlawful association.

Through a notification issued and published in the Gazette of India, the Centre authorized the states to invoke Sections 7 and 8 of the UAPA. This includes the power to seize properties associated with the banned organization and restrict its activities. The delegation of authority is done under Section 42 of the Act.

"...In exercise of the powers conferred by section 42 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967(37 of 1967) (hereinafter r...