Kashmiri Activist and Journalist to Walk Free as Delhi HC Refuses to Stay Bail

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday cleared the way for the release on bail of Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez and freelance journalist Irfan Mehraj. The court refused to stay a trial court's order granting them bail in a 2020 case registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The NIA's counsel had sought a stay on the July 18 bail order, arguing that the case involved serious offences and that the release of the two 'could seriously jeopardise national security'. The High Court, however, declined to halt the bail but imposed additional conditions. Parvez and Mehraj must report to the NIA headquarters in New Delhi twice a week, refrain from any activity similar to that which led to the case against them, and not associate with or participate in the activities of any group or organisation linked to the subject matter of the offence. They are also barred from circulating any posts, handbills, posters, or banners in any form.

The case stems from allegations of unlawful activities linked to alleged separatist movements in Jammu and Kashmir. Both Parvez, a noted human rights activist, and Mehraj, a journalist covering the region, have denied the charges. Their release is expected to proceed following the court's order, subject to compliance with the bail conditions.