Today, the Delhi High Court refused bail to E. Abubacker, the head of the Popular Front of India (PFI), in a case filed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The division bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain delivered the verdict.

Abubacker was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) during a significant crackdown on the PFI in 2022.

The NIA alleges that the PFI, along with its members and leaders, conspired to raise funds for terrorist activities nationwide, conducting training camps to indoctrinate and prepare their cadre for such acts. Abubacker argued that there was insufficient evidence to support the NIA's claims under UAPA.

He also informed the court of his age, 70, and his health challenges as a cancer survivor battling Parkinson's disease, necessitating multiple visits to AIIMS during his custody. The NIA opposed his plea, presenting evidence of organized training camps for unlawful activities and asserting that releasing Abubacker could lead to witness intimidation.

Back in September 2022, the Central government imposed a nationwide ban on the PFI and its affiliates under UAPA, citing alleged connections to global terror organizations like ISIS.

This ban followed a coordinated operation by the NIA, leading to arrests in multiple states and union territories. Abubacker was arrested on September 22, 2022, as part of this operation.

In February, this year, the High Court directed Tihar Jail's medical superintendent to ensure Abubacker receives regular and effective medical treatment, rejecting a request for house arrest instead of imprisonment.