Supreme Court Declines Bail On Medical Grounds To A PFI Leader

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused a plea by Popular Front of India (PFI) leader AS Ismail, who is booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, seeking bail on medical grounds.

The matter came up on Wednesday before a bench comprising Justices KV Viswanathan and N. Kotiswar Singh. "While we are not inclined to consider enlarging the petitioner on bail on medical grounds, considering the report of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences dated March 15, 2025…. We are issuing notice to the respondent only to examine whether the physiotherapist facility, which, according to the learned counsel for the petitioner, is available in Tihar Jail-3, could also be made available to the petitioner who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail-1", said the apex court, in its order.

During the hearing, the bench noted that the petitioner is not in an emergency medical condition. The petitioner’s counsel contended that he is not being taken for physiotherapy anymore in prison.

The bench said let a copy of this petition be served on Archana Pathak Dave, Additional Solicitor General, who may obtain instructions on the above aspect and inform the court on June 27, 2025. The bench has scheduled the matter for further hearing on June 27.

In October 2024, the petitioner had suffered a stroke, and he was treated at various hospitals. According to the medical board, the petitioner requires intensive physiotherapy and blood pressure monitoring.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has alleged that Ismail was involved in a conspiracy to radicalise Muslim youth against the Indian government and leaders of organisations who do not believe in the establishment of Islamic rule in India, and to disrupt the country's sovereignty and integrity. He was arrested in September 2022.