SC declines to release Kashmiri separatist leader on interim bail in terror funding case

The Supreme Court in New Delhi has decided not to grant immediate bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a terror funding case. On Thursday, the court asked the NIA (National Investigation Agency) for its opinion on Shah’s plea for bail, while keeping the case open for further discussion.

The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta did not seem convinced by Shah’s argument that his poor health should lead to his release on interim bail.

Previously, the Delhi High Court had rejected Shah’s bail request. The court said there was a risk he might attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence, especially since he is the chairman of an organization labeled as unlawful.

The High Court also mentioned that Shah had been in custody for over five years, but charges against him had already been filed, and the trial was progressing smoothly. The court found no reason to believe that delays were caused by the prosecution.

Additionally, the court rejected Shah’s request for house arrest, citing serious allegations and the sensitive nature of the case.

Shah was arrested in June 2019. He is accused of helping create a separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir and of other serious crimes. Authorities say he honored families of terrorists, received illegal funds through hawala transactions, and raised money by trading across the Line of Control (LoC) to fund militant activities.

The National Investigation Agency claims that several people involved in conspiracy and terrorism activities are linked to Shah. He was named in a supplementary charge sheet filed by the NIA in October 2019.

This case remains a major focus in ongoing efforts to curb terror funding and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.