New Delhi, Eleven Muslims who were detained on terrorism charges in India have been acquitted after spending nearly 600 days in prison due to insufficient evidence and procedural failures.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow Bench ordered the release of the detainees, citing a lack of substantial evidence to support the allegations made by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The ATS had accused them of affiliations with Al Qaeda and its Indian operatives based on mere suspicions, which the court found ungrounded.
The bench highlighted procedural lapses, noting that the investigative agency failed to file a chargesheet within the prescribed timeframe under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The defense team argued successfully that the prosecution did not meet the required standards of proof, and the court acknowledged the absence of credible evidence linking the accused to any banned activities or groups.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of legal rights and the treatment of minority groups in legal proceedings in India. Advocates and human rights observers hope this acquittal will influence future cases involving extended detentions without formal charges.