'Best morning to send...message': SC refuses bail to ISIS promoter
What's the story
The Supreme Court has refused to grant bail to a man accused of promoting Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) ideology. The accused was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta rejected his Special Leave Petition against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision denying him bail.
Trial timeline
Trial court directed to complete proceedings in 2 years
The SC has asked the trial court to complete the proceedings within two years. "Considering the facts, circumstances of the case and the fact...the petitioner has been incarcerated for more than two years and further that 19 out of 64 proposed witnesses have already been examined...we direct the trial court to conclude the trial within two years. The court said if the trial isn't finished in this time frame without any fault of the petitioner, he can seek bail again.
Case details
Accused allegedly involved in conspiracy to spread ISIS ideology
The accused was allegedly involved in a conspiracy to spread ISIS ideology and execute terror activities. He is said to have set up a WhatsApp group named "Fisabilillah," with an image similar to the ISIS flag. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier dismissed his bail plea, noting evidence such as videos, literature, and communication records linking him to ISIS activities.
Defense arguments
No explosives recovered from accused, argued defense counsel
During the bail hearing, Senior Advocate Sidharth Dave, representing the accused, remarked that it was "not the best morning to argue this case after the events of yesterday," referring to the car blast near Red Fort that claimed several lives. However, Justice Mehta responded, "Best morning to send a message." Dave also argued that mere planning isn't enough to establish guilt under conspiracy laws. He highlighted that no explosives were recovered from his client and pointed out his physical disabilities.
Court
Creating turbulence and affecting civility
However, the court noted that a prima facie case has been established against the petitioner, who is 70% disabled. Justice Mehta said, "You are accused of creating a ring of terror in the country." Justice Nath added, "Creating turbulence and affecting civility in the country." Given the period of the confinement and the stage of the trial, it directed the trial court to complete the procedures within two years.