Read Time: 03 minutes

Synopsis

The Delhi High Court has recently directed the Tihar Jail authorities to produce former Popular Front of India (PFI) Chairman, E. Abubacker, through video conferencing, who is currently lodged in the prison.

The division bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Manoj Jain was hearing an interim bail plea filed by Abubacker on medical grounds. 

The bench also directed the jail authorities to produce a medical report on Abubacker and how many times he has been hospitalised. 

"The Jail Authority concerned is also directed to send the current medical report of the appellant, specifying therein as to how many times he remained admitted in hospital, including Jail Hospital, and the duration thereof," the court ordered.

"The Jail Authority concerned is further directed to produce the appellant in court through video conferencing on the next date of hearing, subject to his being medically fit. List on 21st February, 2024," the court said in its order dated February 1.

It is to be noted that the High Court, in April had allowed Abubacker, lodged in prison under an Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) case, to withdraw his plea seeking release on account of ill health. The court had granted his counsel, Adit Pujari the liberty to approach the Trial Court for Medical Bail. 

It may be noted that on October 13, Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta of the high court dismissed the bail application filed by Abubacker.

Abubacker was arrested on September 22, 2022, in the PFI raids and was initially sent to 4-day NIA custody.

Case Title: Abubacker E. v. National Investigation Agency