Supreme Court Upholds Delhi HC Stance, Dismisses Shabir Shah's Bail Plea in PMLA Case

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the bail plea filed by prominent Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah. The case pertains to allegations of money laundering linked to terror financing, an accusation that has kept Shah in judicial custody for several years.

While rejecting the bail application, the apex court also issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), seeking its detailed response on the matter.

The decision by a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra reaffirms a prior ruling by the Delhi High Court, which had also denied bail to Shah in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case.

This consistent denial from both courts underscores the gravity of the charges leveled against the separatist leader, who was arrested in July 2017.

Shabir Ahmad Shah, a well-known figure in the separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir, is accused of receiving funds from various illicit channels, allegedly to fuel secessionist activities and terror-related operations in the region.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which initiated the PMLA investigation, has presented a robust case asserting Shah's involvement in a complex network of financial transactions designed to support unlawful activities.

The NIA's involvement highlights the broader national security implications of the case.

By seeking a response from the NIA, the Supreme Court is ensuring that all facets of the investigation, particularly those concerning terror financing, are thoroughly re-examined and presented before any further decisions are made. This procedural step indicates the court's intent to conduct a comprehensive review, despite the immediate dismissal of the bail plea.

Shah's legal team had argued for his release, citing various grounds including the duration of his incarceration and alleged procedural irregularities.

However, both the High Court and now the Supreme Court have found sufficient merit in the prosecution's arguments to keep him in custody. The ongoing legal battle continues to draw national attention, reflecting the government's firm stance against alleged terror funding and separatist activities.

This ruling reinforces the judiciary's commitment to tackling serious offenses under PMLA, especially when they intersect with national security concerns.

The ball is now in NIA's court to provide its comprehensive response, which will undoubtedly influence the future trajectory of this high-profile and sensitive case.