The Supreme Court has granted permission for E Abubacker, the founding chairman of the Popular Front of India (PFI), to receive medical treatment at a hospital in Delhi. This decision comes following his arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court’s ruling was reported by the Press Trust of India on Friday.

In its order, the court imposed several conditions regarding Abubacker’s treatment. He is required to bear the expenses associated with both his medical care and police escort during his hospital stay. Additionally, the court has allowed one family member to accompany him throughout the treatment process.

A bench consisting of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale specified that Abubacker is to be treated at Max Super Speciality Hospital located in Saket. The court has instructed the hospital to provide a report detailing any further treatment needed and the anticipated duration of his stay.

Conditions Imposed by the Court

The Supreme Court has outlined specific conditions for Abubacker’s hospitalisation. The bench made it clear that the petitioner must cover all necessary charges for the police escort. Furthermore, the court emphasised that the accompanying family member must not carry any objectionable items into the hospital.

During the proceedings, Justice Sundresh remarked that the court needed to approach such matters with a degree of sympathy. The Additional Solicitor General, SV Raju, who represented the National Investigation Agency (NIA), indicated that Abubacker could be treated at the hospital for a duration of one week.

Raju also mentioned that no electronic devices would be allowed in the hospital room, and that no outsiders would be permitted to visit him during his stay. Abubacker’s request for bail had previously been denied by a Delhi court. He faces serious allegations related to a conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the Indian government and establishing an Islamic caliphate by the year 2047.

Background of the Case Against Abubacker

According to the NIA, the PFI, along with its office-bearers and members, is alleged to have conspired to gather funds for executing terrorist acts across various regions of India. The agency has also claimed that the organisation conducted training camps to indoctrinate and prepare its members for these activities.

Abubacker has stated that he is in his 70s, suffers from Parkinson’s disease, and has previously undergone surgery for cancer. He contended that he is entitled to bail based on the merits of his case, asserting that the NIA has failed to establish a strong case against him. His arrest took place on September 22, 2022, during a series of nationwide raids conducted as part of a multi-agency operation led by the NIA.

Numerous alleged PFI activists were detained or arrested across 11 states for purportedly supporting terrorist activities. Subsequently, on September 28, 2022, the government imposed a five-year ban on the PFI and several associated organisations under anti-terror legislation, citing connections to global terrorist groups, including ISIS.

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