The Supreme Court granted bail to Kashmiri separatist Shabir Shah due to his age, long detention, and slow trial progress. Shah, aged 74 and in jail for over eight years, faces strict bail conditions. He must use only one mobile phone, keep it on at all times, and not leave Delhi without court permission. Additionally, he is barred from commenting on the case in the media.
The court emphasized that prolonged detention could violate personal liberty if trials drag on. Shah is required to share permitted phone numbers with the prosecutor and report to the NIA officer fortnightly. He must surrender his passport, not influence witnesses, or tamper with evidence. Any breach could lead to bail cancellation.
Shah, arrested by the NIA, was denied interim bail in 2025 by the apex court. The NIA accused him of supporting separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2017, Shah was implicated in funding disruptive activities through hawala transactions and cross-LoC trade. The court’s decision to grant bail was influenced by the minimal progress in the trial despite Shah’s lengthy incarceration.
