New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea by former Popular Front of India (PFI) Chairman E Abubacker, seeking his release in a UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Abubacker, who was arrested by the NIA in 2022 during a large-scale crackdown on the banned Islamist organization, remains in judicial custody. Despite earlier attempts to secure bail on medical grounds from the trial court, which were unsuccessful, Abubacker's recent plea for relief from the High Court has also been denied.

A bench comprising Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain upheld the denial of bail, stating, "We hereby dismiss the appeal." Abubacker had sought release on both substantive and medical grounds. In his petition, Abubacker, a 70-year-old cancer survivor battling Parkinson's disease, argued that his medical condition warranted bail, especially considering his frequent visits to AIIMS during his custody. However, the NIA opposed Abubacker's plea, citing multiple cases against him and expressing concerns that potential witnesses might not come forward if he were released.

Abubacker's arrest by the NIA in September 2022 was part of a nationwide operation targeting the now-banned PFI. He faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, relating to alleged criminal conspiracy, fundraising for terrorist activities, and conducting training camps to radicalize and train cadre.

Following the arrest, on September 27, 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliated fronts for a period of five years under the UAPA, exercising powers conferred by the law.

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