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Synopsis

National Investigating Agency, on December 12, informed the court that due to the Investigating officer being charged in a separate case, the agency had to draft a thorough case against separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan. However, the NIA assured the bench of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Shalinder Kaur that “there will be no delays from our side”.

Nayeem Ahmed Khan was accused of engaging in activities aimed at causing unrest in the Kashmir Valley. Per the NIA, Khan had “created unrest” in Kashmir valley. He was allegedly involved in activities such as “pelting stones on security forces” and “systematically burning schools”.

The counsel for the NIA informed the court that the prosecution relied on significant evidence, including statements from protected witnesses. According to the Advocate, one such witness, referred to as “Alpha” had repeatedly mentioned the names of Nayeem Ahmed Khan and Yasin Malik in their testimony. The NIA’s Advocate also elaborated on the methods allegedly employed by Khan and others to collect funds, which were purportedly used to disrupt peace in the Kashmir Valley.

Additionally, the counsel assured the court of their readiness to proceed without delay and sought administrative directives to expedite the case in the appropriate forum.

The court acknowledged the submissions and scheduled the next hearing for January 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM. Previously, the court had dismissed an application by Khan seeking an immediate hearing. 

For Petitioner: Advocates Tara Narula, Tamanna Pankaj and Anirudh Ramanathan
For NIA: Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, Special Public Prosecutor Akshai Malik with Advocates Ayush Agarwal, Karl P Rustom Khan, Suhail Ahmed, Khawar Saleem and Yatharth Sharma
Case Title: Nayeem Ahmad Khan v National Investigation Agency (CRL.A.-118/2023)