NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday granted bail to 72-year-old Kashmiri resistance leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, who has been jailed in a case related to alleged terror funding and anti-national activities.
A Division Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta cited “irregularities in the trial proceedings and his prolonged incarceration” as reasons for granting bail.
Shah’s family noted his deteriorating health during imprisonment. His daughter, Sehar Shabir Shah, said her father endured “long years in jail without conviction.” She added, “Today justice has taken its first step. We always had faith in the judiciary, and today that faith stands affirmed.”
Shah was re-arrested in 2017 by the National Investigation Agency over alleged terror financing and anti-national activities. His party, the Democratic Freedom Party, was banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023. Previously, Shah was among the key separatist leaders engaged in backchannel talks with the Indian government and has often been called the “Nelson Mandela of Kashmir.”
The decision has drawn praise from political and religious leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “We hope courts extend relief to all political prisoners and youth languishing in jails, bringing cheer to their families and the people of J&K.”
Sajad Lone described the bail as “good news” and expressed hope that Shah can recover at home with his family. Aga Muntazir of the Peoples Democratic Party added that the ruling underscores the importance of justice and due process in a democratic society, while wishing Shah improved health and strength.