Thursday, March 28, 2024

Undertrial UAPA prisoner for 9 years; Delhi HC asks trial court to decide bail plea in 75 days

The Delhi High Court has asked the trial court to decide the bail plea moved by a Muslim man who has been in jail for more than nine years in a case registered under draconian UAPA within a period of 75 days.

Manzer Imam was arrested in August 2013 in a case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) alleging that he, along with others, conspired to commit terrorist acts and made preparations for targeting prominent places in the country, Live Law reported.

Imam’s lawyer apprised the court that he had been in custody since October 1, 2013 and has been jailed for nine years. It was also submitted that even charges were not framed till now against Imam, adding that a total of 369 witnesses are to be examined in the matter, the legal website reported.

Justice Jasmeet Singh disposed of the bail plea after Imam’s lawyer withdrew the same with liberty to approach the trial court.

“The Special Court will hear and dispose of the bail application of the applicant within 75 days from the date of this order,” the court ordered.

A year ago, Imam had moved another plea before the High Court seeking day-to-day hearing in his case before the trial court, claiming that the accused persons in NIA cases are languishing for years in jail without completion or expeditious trial which was in violation of their fundamental right to a speedy trial.

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