Delhi HC seeks NIA's response and medical report on PFI leader Abubacker's bail plea

File Photo/PTI

The Delhi High Court has taken cognizance of the plea filed by former Popular Front of India (PFI) Chairman E Abubacker, seeking bail on medical grounds. The court has called for a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and directed jail authorities to provide a status report on Abubacker's medical condition.

The division bench comprising Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Anish Dayal has issued notices to the NIA and has requested their reply. The bench also seeks a status report from the jail authorities regarding Abubacker's current medical condition. Furthermore, the court has ordered the production of the complete medical treatment record before the next hearing.

However, the court has rejected the request for Abubacker's personal appearance, considering he is in judicial custody and in need of medical treatment. NIA's counsel has assured that he has received treatment at AIIMS and is provided with the best possible care.

The matter is scheduled for a hearing on September 20.

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In April 2023, the court allowed Abubacker to withdraw his bail plea, which had been initially filed in February. The court had directed jail authorities to provide effective treatment to him.

During previous hearings, NIA's counsel argued that an ongoing investigation is pending against the petitioner, and his attempts to seek bail on medical grounds are an attempt to interfere with the investigation and influence witnesses.

In December 2022, the high court refused to grant house arrest to Abubacker, instead directing authorities to take him to AIIMS for treatment. He had sought interim bail on medical grounds.

The court's decision to deny house arrest was based on the grounds that if bail was sought on medical terms, providing treatment in a medical facility was more appropriate. The court also allowed his son to accompany him to the hospital.

Earlier, NIA had informed the high court that Abubacker was being provided with necessary treatment and was in stable condition. NIA had submitted a report in response to his plea seeking treatment.

Abubacker had been arrested in September as part of a nationwide crackdown on the PFI. He filed an appeal in the high court against the trial court's order denying him relief on medical grounds. (With inputs from ANI)