Expressing disapproval of the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant default bail to an individual facing Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) charges, the Supreme Court intervened, highlighting the gravity of matters related to terrorism. The accused, allegedly planning to cross the border to Pakistan for weapons training, had been granted default bail by the HC due to delays in completing the investigation.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Rajesh Bindal emphasized that the HC misapplied a 1994 verdict on TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act) and disregarded a 2019 UAPA case verdict. The Supreme Court’s 2019 decision clarified that an extension for investigation in UAPA cases could be granted for a maximum period of 180 days.
The accused, charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, UAPA, and the Arms Act, was promptly directed to be taken into custody following the Supreme Court’s intervention. The bench underscored the national and international impact of the alleged terrorist activities, cautioning against treating such cases lightly.
