Case of Spreading Disturbance Before PM Modi's Visit Accused Gets bail from Supreme Court
The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to an alleged member of the Popular Front of India. This person was accused of conspiring to spread disturbance during the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Patna in 2022. The court said that nothing has been said in the statement of witnesses which prima facie can be charged against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The Supreme Court granted bail to an alleged member of the Popular Front of India (PFI) on Tuesday saying that he cannot be put in jail indefinitely without trial. He was accused of conspiring to spread disturbance during the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Patna in 2022.
A bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih said that nothing has been said in the statement of witnesses which prima facie can be charged against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The bench said that there is no doubt that this trial is not going to be completed very soon.
Having regard to the earlier orders passed by this court, this accused cannot be allowed to be kept in jail indefinitely without a hearing. In case that is done, there will be a clear violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The bench directed that he can be released on bail on the basis of conditions set by the special court.
The case relates to one Athar Parvez, who was arrested in July 2022. Athar had challenged the order of Patna High Court rejecting his bail in November 2023. The Supreme Court observed that while the NIA filed a chargesheet as far back as January 2023, the charges have not been framed as yet.
