The Supreme Court on Thursday denied interim bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah in a terror funding case.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Nath, however, issued notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking its response within two weeks on Shah’s plea.
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for Shah, sought interim bail on medical grounds, arguing that the petitioner was “very sick.”
Justice Nath, after briefly hearing the argument, said, “No interim bail.” At the outset, the bench issued notice on Shah’s plea challenging the High Court order.
During the hearing, Shah’s lawyer pressed for urgent relief, stating, “I (Shah) need interim bail.” Justice Nath responded, “You should be released today itself?” The counsel then urged for an early hearing, but the bench listed the matter for hearing after two weeks.
Earlier, the high court had denied bail to Shah in the terror funding case, observing that there was a possibility of him engaging in further unlawful activities.
Shah was arrested by the NIA on June 4, 2019.
Shah is alleged to have played a “substantial role” in facilitating the separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir by inciting public sloganeering in support of secession, paying tribute to families of slain militants by eulogising them as “martyrs,” receiving funds through hawala transactions, and raising funds through LoC trade, which was allegedly used to finance subversive and militant activities in the region.
The high court also noted that Shah faces at least 24 other criminal cases, underscoring his alleged involvement in multiple criminal cases.
Also Read: Delhi Prisons Deptt refutes 'health rumours' about Shabir Shah
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