Supreme Court Grants Bail To Suhail Ahmad Thokar In UAPA Conspiracy Case

New Delhi, May 22 : The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Suhail Ahmad Thokar in a UAPA case linked to an alleged terror conspiracy in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi allowed Thokar’s appeal against the Delhi High Court order which had earlier denied him bail.

The apex court granted bail with strict conditions and cautioned that any violation would result in immediate cancellation of the relief and his return to NIA custody.

According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the case pertains to an alleged conspiracy aimed at reviving militancy in Jammu and Kashmir after the repeal of Article 370.

The probe agency alleged that banned outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Al-Badr, were part of the conspiracy network.

Investigators claimed the accused persons were involved in radicalising and recruiting youth for militant activities, including arms training and handling of explosives.

The NIA further alleged that the network operated under the banner of the “United Jihad Council” with support from Pakistan-based handlers and over-ground workers operating in India.

Thokar was accused of allegedly providing shelter and logistical support to persons linked with militant organisations named in the case.

He was arrested in October 2021 and was among the 25 accused named in the NIA chargesheet.

Earlier, in September 2023, the Delhi High Court had rejected his bail plea, observing that prima facie evidence existed against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Subsequently, Thokar approached the Supreme Court in 2024 challenging the High Court verdict. The apex court has now allowed his appeal and granted him bail subject to conditions. (KNC)