Shaikh’s UAPA Sentence Challenged, Delhi HC Awaits NIA Reply

Sadiya Anwar Shaikh

The Delhi High Court orders National Investigation Agency to respond to Sadiya Anwar Shaikh’s appeal challenging her 7-year sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Shaikh, along with 4 others, was convicted for participating in anti-national activities and being linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), a branch of the banned terrorist organization ISIS.

Shaikh pleaded guilty and was convicted on April 18, 2024. She later appealed against her sentence, arguing that another accused, Abdullah Basith, who was convicted of the same charges, received a lighter sentence equivalent to the time he had already served 4 years in custody.

Shaikh has also been in custody for more than four years and is seeking a reduced sentence.

The court, led by Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Amit Sharma, has directed the NIA to submit its response two days before the next hearing, scheduled for September 11. Additionally, the court has requested a report from the Jail Superintendent regarding Shaikh’s time in custody. The case will be heard along with appeals from the four other convicts.

Sadiya Anwar Shaikh, hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, was convicted alongside Abdullah Basith, Jahanzaib Sami, his wife Heena Bashir Baig, and Nabeel Siddiq by a special NIA court.