The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Khurram Parvez, a noted Kashmiri human rights activist, who was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged involvement in terror funding, conspiracy, and recruitment activities for the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed a case against him, linking him to these serious charges.
High Court’s Decision
A Division Bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja presided over the case. They conditionally granted bail to Parvez, although the detailed judgment is yet to be released. The court’s decision overrules the trial court’s earlier denial of bail on December 17, 2024, prompting Parvez to approach the High Court on December 24, 2024.
NIA’s Allegations
The NIA accused Parvez of being part of a broader conspiracy linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba, aimed at waging war against India. The agency claimed that Parvez recruited operatives, gathered intelligence on security forces, and was involved in organizing protests following the death of militant commander Burhan Wani in 2016. These allegations were based on an investigation that purportedly connected Parvez to a network of overground workers supporting terrorist activities.
Parvez’s Defense
In his defense, Parvez asserted that his involvement in the alleged conspiracy was unfounded. He emphasized his role as a human rights activist, highlighting his positions as the Programme Coordinator and Spokesperson for the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) and Chairperson of the Asian Federation against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD). Parvez argued that his work focused on humanitarian efforts, not illegal activities.
He further contended that the investigation had failed to demonstrate any direct contact between him and members of LeT or any other banned organizations. Examination of his digital devices, according to Parvez, did not reveal any incriminating communications or evidence of recruitment activities. He also refuted claims that his past visits to Pakistan were indicative of connections with proscribed groups, explaining that these trips were part of transparent humanitarian missions, including advocacy against landmines and enforced disappearances.
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Legal Representation
Parvez’s legal team included Senior Advocate Tanveer Ahmed Mir, along with advocates Swati Khanna, Raminder Kaur, Md Imran Ahmad, and Shahzad Khan. The bail application was filed through advocate Kartik Venu.
