Delhi High Court dismisses plea by former PFI chairman Abubacker for release in UAPA case

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea by former Popular Front of India Chairman E Abubacker seeking his release in a UAPA case being probed by the NIA. Abubacker, who was arrested during a crackdown on the banned organization in 2022, had approached the high court after being denied relief by the trial court.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had accused the Popular Front of India of hatching a criminal conspiracy to raise funds for committing acts of terror in various parts of the country. Abubacker sought his release on both merit and medical grounds, but the high court bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain dismissed the appeal.

The NIA had conducted massive raids across the country, leading to the arrest of a large number of alleged PFI activists in 11 states. Abubacker was arrested on September 22, 2022, and the government subsequently banned the PFI and its associate organizations for five years under the Unlawful Activities Act.

In February, the high court had directed the Medical Superintendent of Tihar Jail to ensure proper treatment for Abubacker’s ailments. Despite his plea for release, the court refused to place him under house arrest and stated that he would be admitted to a hospital for treatment if necessary.

This decision by the Delhi High Court marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the activities of the Popular Front of India and its members. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to address concerns related to national security and terrorism.