In a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Supreme Court of India denied bail to E Abubacker, the former chairman of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI). On January 17, 2025, this decision was rendered in response to Abubacker’s appeal of a Delhi High Court order that had previously refused him bail.
As part of a larger effort to combat terrorism and illegal acts associated with the PFI, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Abubacker in September 2022 during a crackdown on the group.
Citing medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease and difficulties from cancer surgery, he requested bail. The Supreme Court, however, determined that there was not enough medical evidence to support his release at this time. Before reaching a verdict, the bench, which was made up of Justices Rajesh Bindal and MM Sundresh, examined a medical report from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
The Supreme Court denied bail and denied Abubacker’s request for home arrest in the event that he was not freed. The judge said that if his condition worsens, he could apply for bail from the trial court once more. Abubacker and other PFI members have been charged by the NIA with organizing terrorist fundraising schemes and running indoctrination-focused training camps.
Abubacker has faced numerous legal challenges since his detention, including a previous refusal by the Delhi High Court that cited substantial prima facie evidence against him for UAPA violations. This verdict comes after those challenges.
