Supreme Court Denies Bail To Former PFI Chief E Abubacker On Medical Grounds

The Supreme Court has denied a bail plea from former Popular Front of India (PFI) chief E Abubacker, rejecting his request for release on medical grounds in connection with charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Court, however, has ordered the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to form a medical team and conduct a thorough examination of Abubacker’s health.

E Abubacker, age 70, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in September 2022 during a wide-scale crackdown on PFI, which has since been banned nationwide. Abubacker’s legal team argued that he suffers from multiple severe health conditions, including cancer and Parkinson’s disease, and requires regular medical visits to AIIMS. His lawyers contended that these health issues merited his release, stating that the NIA’s case lacks substantial evidence of his involvement in unlawful activities under UAPA.

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The NIA, however, opposed the bail plea, citing evidence of PFI’s alleged activities that included organizing training camps to prepare cadres for terrorism-related activities across the country. The agency argued that Abubacker’s release could deter witnesses from testifying against him, given the sensitive nature of the case.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court ordered AIIMS to submit a detailed medical report on Abubacker’s condition, with the case scheduled for further review in two weeks. This move aligns with an earlier ruling by the Delhi High Court, which directed Tihar Jail’s medical superintendent to ensure adequate medical care for Abubacker while rejecting his appeal for house arrest.

Abubacker’s arrest was part of a nationwide operation by the NIA in September 2022 that targeted alleged PFI affiliates in 11 states and union territories, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The raids led to the detention and arrest of several individuals associated with PFI, as authorities alleged the organization’s involvement in terror financing and training activities.

The Supreme Court’s latest decision highlights the judiciary’s caution in granting bail in high-profile UAPA cases, even on health grounds, especially when national security concerns are at stake.