Delhi High Court grants bail to Kashmir human-rights activist Khuram Parvez in UAPA case

Delhi High Court grants bail to Kashmir human-rights activist Khuram Parvez in UAPA case

## Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Prominent Kashmiri Activist in UAPA Case

**New Delhi:** In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has granted bail to Khuram Parvez, a prominent human rights activist from Jammu and Kashmir, who was apprehended under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The court’s decision hinges on the assessment that the core allegations against Parvez, while serious in nature, are primarily substantiated by the testimony of a co-accused who has since turned approver.

The bench, while deliberating on the bail plea, underscored that the evidence presented against Parvez, as articulated by the approver, has yet to undergo rigorous scrutiny during a full trial. This critical juncture in the legal process, the court observed, necessitates a re-evaluation of the continued detention of the activist. The approver, identified as having claimed to be an informant for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), provided statements that formed a substantial basis for the charges leveled against Parvez. However, the court emphasized that such statements, particularly from individuals who have altered their legal standing by cooperating with the prosecution, require independent corroboration and validation through the established judicial process.

The legal fraternity has taken note of the High Court’s nuanced approach, highlighting the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, especially when dealing with cases involving broad anti-terror legislation. The UAPA, known for its stringent bail provisions and the high bar for securing release, often places a significant burden on the accused. In this instance, the court’s decision suggests a careful consideration of the evidentiary threshold required for pre-trial incarceration, particularly when the primary evidence emanates from a source whose credibility and motivations are subject to judicial examination.

Khuram Parvez has been a vocal advocate for human rights in the Kashmir Valley, frequently documenting and reporting on alleged violations. His activism has often placed him at odds with authorities, leading to multiple detentions and legal challenges over the years. His arrest and subsequent detention under the UAPA had drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and civil society groups, both domestically and internationally, who argued that his work was being stifled through the use of draconian laws.

The granting of bail does not signify an acquittal or a final determination of guilt. Instead, it represents a judicial determination that, at this stage of the proceedings, the continued detention of the accused is not warranted based on the evidence presented. Parvez will now be subject to the bail conditions stipulated by the court, which typically include reporting to authorities and refraining from actions that could impede the ongoing investigation or trial.

This ruling is likely to be viewed as a crucial step in the legal journey of Khuram Parvez and may have broader implications for other cases involving individuals detained under similar circumstances. The focus now shifts to the trial court, where the allegations will be thoroughly examined, and the veracity of the evidence, including the approver’s statement, will be tested. The outcome of the trial will ultimately determine the final resolution of the charges against the Kashmiri human rights activist.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.