Seeking NIA’s response on plea seeking FIR copy in case against PFI members: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court in the case Mohammad Yusuff v. NIA observed and has sought response of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a plea seeking copy of an FIR registered against alleged members of Popular Front of India (PFI), which was recently being banned by the Centre under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta issued notice on the plea moved by one Mohammad Yusuff, who was arrested in one of the raids conducted by the agency.
During the course of hearing, it was argued by the Advocate Adit S Pujari appearing for Yusuff that while the trial court judge had said that the accused persons will be provided with the copy of FIR and other documents such as arrest and seizure memos on the expiry of their remand and the same was not done.
On the other hand, it was raised by the counsel appearing for NIA that a preliminary objection on the maintainability of the plea on the ground that the trial court order was an interlocutory order. Thus, a short adjournment was sought due to non-availability of a Deputy Solicitor General (ASG).
It was observed that the Pujari submitted that the matter is listed before the trial court on the same day for remanding accused persons to judicial custody and extension of police remand.
However, he seeks directions be given to the trial court for furnishing the said documents to the accused.
The court orally remarked that “We will hear you both at length and pass requisite directions, let them make a call”.
Justice Mendiratta added that we will direct, if you are entitled in law and if there is any hesitation on their (NIA) part.
In an FIR, the accused persons were arrested containing various offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and UAPA alleging that the members were indulging in anti-national activities at various offices of PFI.
On September 28, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts as “unlawful associations” with immediate effect for a period of 5 years in exercise of the powers under Section 3(1) of UAPA.
However, citing their links with terrorist organizations and involvement in terror acts, the Centre proscribed PFI and its affiliates Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, National Women’s Front Kerala.
Accordingly, various PFI members were arrested as a part of a massive crackdown in several states. Thus, the Delhi Police had also raided around 50 locations and arrested more than 30 persons.

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