Supreme Court Urges Swift Bail Hearing for Activist Gulfisha Fatima

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi High Court to proceed with the bail hearing of activist Gulfisha Fatima on November 25. Fatima has been detained for over four years in connection to the 2020 Delhi riots and her legal team highlights the delays and prolonged incarceration.

The Supreme Court has issued a directive for the Delhi High Court to conduct the bail hearing of Gulfisha Fatima, an activist implicated in the 2020 Delhi riots, on the predetermined date of November 25. In addressing a plea from Fatima's legal counsel, the bench made it clear that they would not entertain bail applications at this time, expecting the High Court to adhere to the timetable unless exceptional circumstances arise.

The court's bench, comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, emphasized the protracted period of imprisonment that Fatima has faced, being held for four years and seven months, without significant movement towards a trial. This follows a similar stance taken with co-accused Sharjeel Imam, whose bail appeal was also suggested for expedited consideration by the High Court.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Fatima, spotlighted the impact of trial delays, questioning the necessity of such an extended detention for someone yet to undergo trial. Despite noting the argument's merit, the bench dismissed Fatima's plea made under Article 32, redirecting attention to the upcoming High Court hearing. Fatima, an MBA graduate, was apprehended by Delhi Police on April 11, 2020, and faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

(With inputs from agencies.)