Srinagar, Mar 18 — Days after granting bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a militancy-funding case, the Supreme Court has imposed stringent conditions restricting his movement, communication, and public statements during the trial.
In its detailed order, a Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed that Shah shall not leave Delhi without prior permission of the trial court and must surrender his passport, if any.
The court also limited his communication, stating, “He shall use only one mobile phone and/or one landline number during the course of trial… the mobile phone shall always be kept in the switched-on mode,” with details to be shared with the Special Public Prosecutor.
Shah has been directed to report to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigating officer once every fortnight, on Wednesday or Thursday between 10 am and 11 am, and refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
He has further been barred from making any comments in the media about the case or his alleged role, and asked to file an undertaking before the trial court that he will not commit any similar offence while on bail.
The conditions come after the apex court granted bail on March 12, citing prolonged incarceration and delay in trial. During the hearing, the Bench had flagged the delay, observing, “You can’t explain the delay… The fact is it is a delay… he continues to remain in custody.”
In its order, the court said, “Without making any observations on the merits… and considering… the prolonged period of custody… and his advanced age, we are inclined to enlarge the appellant on bail during the pendency of the trial.”
Shah (74), arrested by the NIA in June 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, continues to face trial in the case, with proceedings still underway.