Delhi HC asks NIA's response on PFI leader OMA Salam's custody parole plea

New Delhi [India], April 21 (ANI): The Delhi High Court sought the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) reply on Monday to a petition filed by Popular Front of India (PFI) leader OMA Salam, who requested custody parole for 15 days.
Salam's legal representative argued that he needed to travel to his hometown in Kerala to perform religious and familial rituals following the untimely passing of his daughter, a medical student.
The ceremonies, including prayers at her grave, were scheduled between April 18 and May 2, and Salam offered to bear the expenses associated with his custody parole, he informed the court.
"This is not a matter of interim bail. A single day and six hours is inadequate for undertaking necessary travel and ceremonies," his counsel emphasised.
After hearing submissions, Justice Ravinder Dudeja acknowledged the NIA's request for additional time to file a written response, listing the matter for further consideration on April 25.
Salam, who was arrested under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), had previously received only a limited custody parole of one day and six hours, which he challenged in the high court, seeking an extension. Custody parole allows a detainee to visit approved locations under strict police surveillance.
As the PFI chairperson, Salam was apprehended in 2022 during a large-scale crackdown on the banned organisation. Authorities alleged that PFI members had conspired to secure funds for terrorist activities and conducted ideological training camps to indoctrinate recruits.
Prior to the nationwide prohibition of PFI, coordinated raids took place across 11 states, leading to the detention or arrest of numerous individuals linked to the group. The affected regions included Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
On September 28, 2022, the government imposed a five-year ban on PFI and its associated entities under UAPA, citing alleged ties to international terrorist organisations, including ISIS. (ANI)