An Indian Mujahideen (IM) terrorist, Shahzad Alam reported Delhi police that a former Delhi MLA helped him in taking refuge after escaping from the September 2008 shooting incident at Batla House.

 

If the accusation is found true then the Ex-MLA could be jailed for at least three years as per the Section 19 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The punishment tenure can even be extended to life term of imprisonment for serious cases in which a person intentionally hides an insurgent.

 

Section 19 says: "Whoever voluntarily harbours or conceals, or attempts to harbour or conceal any person knowing that such person is a terrorist shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine."

 

However, the ex-MLA might be acquitted if he was unaware of the fact that Shahzad Alam was an IM terrorist.

 

US and UK have also ordained similar strong laws against terrorism after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Section 803 of Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act states that if a person is found guilty for hiding a terrorist then that person, "shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both."