Supreme Court Seeks NIA Reply in Shah Terror Funding Case

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding a plea from Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah. Shah is challenging a Delhi High Court order that denied him bail in a high-profile terror funding case, raising questions about his potential release. The case, which has gripped the nation, involves allegations of funding activities aimed at destabilizing the region.

On Thursday, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta heard arguments from Shah’s legal team, led by senior advocate Colin Gonsalves. Gonsalves passionately argued for interim bail, citing Shah’s deteriorating health and describing him as "very sick." However, the bench declined to grant interim relief, choosing instead to issue a notice to the NIA for their response. The matter has been scheduled for a follow-up hearing in two weeks, keeping the spotlight on this contentious legal battle.

The Delhi High Court, in its June 12 order, had rejected Shah’s bail application, stating that the risk of him engaging in similar unlawful activities or influencing witnesses could not be dismissed. Shah, arrested by the NIA on June 4, 2019, remains a central figure in the case, which stems from a 2017 investigation. The NIA had registered the case against 12 individuals accused of conspiring to raise and collect funds to fuel disruptive activities, including stone-pelting, damaging public property, and plotting to wage war against the Government of India.

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The allegations against Shah and his co-accused paint a picture of a coordinated effort to destabilize the region through financial backing of anti-national activities. The NIA’s probe has been thorough, uncovering evidence of financial transactions allegedly used to support violent acts and public unrest. Shah’s legal team, however, argues that his prolonged detention and health issues warrant reconsideration of his bail plea.

As the Supreme Court prepares to revisit the case, the nation watches closely. Will Shah’s plea lead to a breakthrough, or will the NIA’s stance on national security prevail? The outcome could set a significant precedent in how terror funding cases are handled in India’s judicial system.

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