Supreme Court Upholds Bail for Saleem Khan in UAPA Case, Rejects National Investigating Authority Appeal

The Supreme Court has upheld the Karnataka High Court’s order granting bail to Saleem Khan, accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, while rejecting the National Investigation Agency’s appeal.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and KV Viswanathan observed that mere participation in meetings of ‘Al-Hind’, an organisation not listed as banned under UAPA, does not attract any prima facie offence.

The Court noted that the High Court had rightly distinguished Khan’s case from that of another accused, Mohd. Zaid, who allegedly had links with ISIS handlers.

While affirming bail, the Court directed the trial to be expedited within two years to avoid prolonged incarceration of undertrials

[UOI v Saleem Khan]