New Delhi, Sept 24: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to provide detailed information regarding the custody of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah, who is facing multiple criminal cases, including a high-profile terror funding case.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria asked the NIA to include facts related to Shah’s custody in other criminal cases, noting that he is reportedly facing trial in around 24 cases. The court granted the agency four weeks to file its counter affidavit, and listed the matter for further hearing on October 31.
Shah, who was arrested by the NIA on June 4, 2019, is challenging a June 12, 2025 Delhi High Court order denying him bail in the terror funding case. On September 4, the Supreme Court had refused to grant him interim bail, issuing a notice to the NIA for its response within two weeks. The bench emphasized that the affidavit should provide comprehensive details about his custody across all pending cases.
The NIA had registered the case in 2017 against Shah and 11 others, alleging a conspiracy to raise and collect funds for activities intended to disrupt public order, damage property, and wage war against the Central Government. Shah was accused of playing a “substantial role” in facilitating separatist or militant movements in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the NIA, he allegedly incited public rallies in support of J&K secession, eulogized slain militants as “martyrs,” and received funds through hawala transactions and LoC trade, which were allegedly used to fuel subversive activities.
The Delhi High Court, in its order refusing bail, had noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, this right carries reasonable restrictions for maintaining public order and preventing incitement to unlawful acts. The court observed that Shah’s speeches and rallies allegedly instigated the public and could not be protected under the garb of free expression.
Shah is also the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDPF), an unlawful organization. The high court had examined a detailed table of his 24 pending cases, which highlighted his repeated involvement in activities aimed at promoting secession and conducting criminal conspiracies against the Union of India.
The Supreme Court’s directive to the NIA underlines the seriousness of Shah’s multiple criminal cases and the ongoing judicial scrutiny of his activities, signaling the top court’s intent to carefully monitor both his custody and potential influence over pending investigations and trials. (Agencies)
