Delhi HC Denies Interim Bail to PFI Leader AS Ismail on Health Grounds

The Delhi High Court has recently refused to grant interim bail on medical grounds to Popular Front of India (PFI) leader AS Ismail, who is booked under various provisions of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

A bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar observed that Ismail's health had significantly improved and therefore declined to interfere with the order passed by the trial court.

Ismail had filed an appeal against the Patiala House Court’s order rejecting his application for interim bail on medical grounds.

After perusing the latest medical report by the Medical Board of the AIIMS, the court noted that Ismail is being given proper treatment in Jail. It also added that his condition is not such that it would deteriorate if an interim bail is not granted.

"The jail authorities are directed to continue with the treatment as prescribed by the doctors including regular physiotherapy and continuous monitoring of the blood pressure of the Appellant. The jail authorities are also directed to take the Appellant to the AIIMS once every month to monitor his condition," the court ordered.

As per the National Investigating Agency (NIA), Ismail was allegedly involved in a conspiracy led by the office bearers of the PFI, who are involved in collecting funds from within India and abroad through hawala, donations, for committing terrorist acts in various parts of India.

The NIA has alleged that Ismail was a member of the banned terrorist organisation, namely the Students Islamic Movement of India.

It has been further alleged that he was involved in a conspiracy to radicalise gullible Muslim youth by provoking them against the Indian Government and leaders of organisations who do not believe in the establishment of Islamic rule in India.

While referring to the trial court’s order, the court noted that there is a lot of direct evidence against Ismail, and the material on record indicates that he is receiving proper treatment and has shown improvement during his incarceration.

Therefore, the court dismissed the appeal.

Case Title: A. S. ISMAIL v NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY