The Supreme Court has given the National Investigation Agency (NIA) three weeks to respond to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah’s bail plea in a terror-funding case. The court will reconvene on February 10 for further proceedings. Shah, aged 74, has requested bail citing his age and the extended period of his detention exceeding six and a half years.
Seeking an extension, the NIA informed the court of new developments in the case and expressed intent to provide a detailed response to Shah’s affidavit. Shah’s counsel argued that the case revolves around a single speech repeatedly presented to the court and highlighted Shah’s prolonged custody and the risk of repeated arrests through successive FIRs.
In opposition, the NIA contended that Shah was arrested in June 2019 while already in custody in another case. The agency alleged Shah’s involvement in funding street protests to disrupt the administration. The NIA also mentioned that witnesses have testified to Shah recommending students for medical seats in Pakistan, where reserved seats are allocated for Kashmiri students.
Representing Shah, the counsel emphasized Shah’s disassociation from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) since 1996 and raised concerns about the slow trial pace despite an increased number of witnesses. Shah challenges the Delhi High Court’s denial of bail last year, with the NIA confirming ongoing evidence recording in the case.
