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Simultaneous raids by the NIA led to the detention or arrest of a significant number of PFI activists in 11 states for allegedly supporting terrorist activities. Salam was arrested on September 22, 2022, during an NIA search operation that led to the seizure of incriminating documents, cash, weapons, and digital devices.
On Monday, OMA Salam, the former chairman of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), approached the Delhi High Court seeking custody parole of 15 days to attend the ceremonies being performed after his daughter passed away last year.
The bench of Justice Ravinder Dudeja accepted the prayer of the state and granted time to file a written reply. Consequently, the court listed the matter for further hearing on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Advocate Abdul Shukoor Mundambra, appearing on behalf of Salam, informed the court that his client was seeking 15 days’ parole to perform rituals marking the first death anniversary of his daughter. The advocate stated that the observances had already commenced on April 18 and were scheduled to continue until May 2.
However, the counsel representing the State submitted that the documents concerning the plea needed further scrutiny. The State questioned the timing of the request, noting that the daughter had passed away a year ago.
Background:
The government officially banned the PFI and several of its affiliated organizations on September 28, 2022, for a period of five years under the UAPA, citing their alleged connections with global terrorist groups like ISIS.
Salam had also sought to prevent the NIA from submitting a final report under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. His counsel argued that the NIA should only investigate scheduled offenses under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 and that there is a mandatory requirement for permission from the Central Government before such investigations. They further contended that the Delhi Police should have conducted the initial registration of the offense.
Justice Saurabh Banerjee agreed to the joint request from both parties to list the matter for hearing on October 31. Previously, in February, Justice Jasmeet Singh had issued a notice to the NIA, acknowledging that the State of Delhi should have registered the offense.
The Delhi High Court, in August 2024, denied interim bail to Salam, stating that no grounds were established to justify the grant of interim bail.
Case Title: OMA SALAM VS NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (CRL.M.C.-2614/2025)
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