Delhi High Court issues notice to NIA on plea by two Kashmiri Separatists against seizure of property

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Synopsis

Asiya Andrabi and Sofi Fehmeeda moved the Delhi High Court challenging the Patiala House Court's order that dismissed their appeals against the seizure of their house and car, respectively.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) response to a plea filed by Kashmiri separatists Asiya Andrabi and Sofi Fehmeeda challenging NIA’s decision to seize their property in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar.

The court was hearing a plea filed by two Kashmiri separatists challenging the Patiala House Court's order that dismissed their appeals against the seizure of their house and car, respectively.

A division bench of Justice Mukta Gupta and Justice Anish Dayal issued notice to NIA on the plea and listed the matter for hearing on September 28, 2022.

Andrabi is the leader of the banned terrorist organization, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, which advocates for the violent secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India. She has been charged with violating the provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

In 2019 the NIA issued attachments orders for the seizure of Andrabi's house and her associate Fehmeeda's car, alleging that these properties were proceeds of terrorism and were used to further terrorist activities.

Andrabi in her plea argued that the Patiala House Court, Delhi, rather than ruling on the legality of the challenged order, provided its own opinion on why the house should have been seized.

She added that the special judge erroneously concluded that because she gave an interview in her home, it could be considered her office.

She further claimed in the plea that giving an interview does not constitute terrorist activity.

Furthermore, Fahmeeda claimed that the special judge incorrectly concluded that driving a car is a terrorist act.

"It is submitted that not every activity by a Proscribed Organization can be termed as a terrorist activity or a prohibited activity," Fahmeeda argued in her plea.

She further added that the special judge assumed that the car was used for terrorist activities despite the lack of evidence.

[Source: Financial Express]