Delhi High Court grants bail to UAPA accused in custody for 8 years

The Court stated that it did not prima facie find statements of witnesses in the case “grave enough” to prolong Saqib’s detention. It also stated that though the material allegedly recovered from Saqib’s phone is serious, it does not warrant continuation of his detention for now.

The Court proceeded to set aside the sessions court’s order and granted bail to Saqib.

“Having considered the statements of the witnesses and the allegations against the appellant, and being moved particularly by the long period of incarceration of the appellant, we are of the opinion that the appellant has been able to make out a case for being released on bail,” the Court stated.

The Court also imposed various bail conditions on Saqib. Among other conditions, it directed Saqib not to travel out of his native place in Hapur, except to travel to Delhi to attend the trial against him or report at the NIA office. He has been directed to report to the NIA's Lucknow office once every fortnight.

Saqib was also directed to surrender his passport to the trial court. Moreover, the Court said that he is allowed to use only one mobile phone and/or a landline until the completion of his trial, and cannot change his contact details or residence without intimating the NIA and the trial court seven days in advance.

The Court further stated that he must not share or circulate any “anti-national material” on social media or otherwise.