SC Grants Bail to Separatist Leader Shabir Shah in Terror Funding Case
Apex court cites prolonged incarceration and trial irregularities; detailed order with strict conditions to follow
New Delhi, Mar 12: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a terror funding case investigated by the National Investigation Agency.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta allowed the Shabir Ahmed Shah bail plea after hearing arguments from both sides, noting concerns over the length of his incarceration and certain irregularities in the trial process. The court said a detailed order would be issued later, outlining strict conditions for his release.
Shah was arrested by the NIA on June 4, 2019, in connection with a case related to alleged funding of separatist and militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation stemmed from a 2017 case in which several individuals were accused of raising funds to disrupt peace through activities such as stone-pelting, damage to public property and attempts to wage war against the government.
During the hearing, senior advocate Colin Gonsalves represented Shah, while senior advocate Siddharth Luthra appeared for the NIA. The bench pointed to the extended period Shah had spent in custody while the trial remained pending.
Earlier, the court had declined to grant him interim bail and sought a response from the agency on his appeal against a Delhi High Court order that rejected his bail request. The high court had expressed concern that Shah could potentially influence witnesses or engage in similar activities if released.
Investigators had alleged that Shah played a key role in mobilising support for separatist causes, including raising funds through hawala channels and cross-Line of Control trade, which were allegedly used to support militant networks and related activities.
