New Delhi, December 19, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to entertain founder Chairman of Popular Front of India (PFI) and veteran Muslim leader E Abu backer’s prayer seeking his transfer to house arrest from Tihar Jail on account of his health condition. The 70-year-old Muslim leader is currently lodged in New Delhi’s Tihar jail for a case investigated by the NIA under provisions of draconian law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the NIA Act.
In his petition, the former PFI leader had said that he is suffering from serious medical ailments, including a rare form of cancer – gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma – and Parkinson’s disease. A division bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Talwant Singh perused the medical status report filed by the Indian agency stating that Abu backer’s appointment has been scheduled for December 22 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.
“Accordingly, the hearing of the appeal is adjourned. The medical superintendent shall file the advice and treatment prescribed by the Onco Surgery department of AIIMS on the next date of hearing,” the court said. The court listed the matter for hearing on January 6. Advocate Adit Pujari, representing Abu backer, submitted before the court that there is a need for house arrest.
Justice Mridul said: “We can’t grant you house arrest. If your medical condition requires hospitalization, then we will direct. We may consider permitting an attendant. But the question is that you don’t require hospitalization.” Abu backer has been in jail since October 6. Hundreds of Muslim activists associated with PFI, including top functionaries of the outfit, were arrested under draconian UAPA and have been languishing in jail across India.
On 28 September, India banned PFI and its associates including Campus Front of India, Rehab India Foundation, All India Imams Council, National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations, National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala.
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