The Supreme Court dismissed AS Ismail’s interim bail plea on medical grounds after the Delhi government assured physiotherapy treatment in jail. Authorities confirmed facilities are available in Tihar.
New Delhi: Today, on June 27, the Supreme Court of India has officially closed the interim bail plea filed by AS Ismail, a senior leader of the Popular Front of India (PFI) and an accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Ismail had approached the Court seeking interim bail on medical grounds, citing the need for physiotherapy treatment.
However, the bench closed the matter after receiving assurance from the Delhi Government that adequate medical treatment, including physiotherapy, is available inside Tihar Jail.
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Earlier, the Supreme Court had refused to grant interim bail to Ismail and instead asked the State to respond on whether proper medical care, specifically physiotherapy, could be provided to him inside the jail premises.
During the hearing, Senior Counsel Archana Pathak Dave, appearing for the State authorities (Delhi government), informed the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices KV Viswanathan and N Kotiswar Singh that,
“physiotherapy as sought by Ismail is available in Tihar jail one and if so required by the petitioner, the same can be provided in Tihar jail three as well depending on the medical advice of an authorized doctor.”
After hearing the State’s submission and being satisfied with the assurance, the Court decided to dispose of the matter and formally closed the plea.
“After noting the same, the bench disposed of the matter.”
AS Ismail had filed the interim bail application on medical grounds, arguing that his health condition required urgent and specialized physiotherapy treatment that, according to him, was not available inside the prison facility.
Previously, the top court had directed the Tihar Jail authorities to inform whether Ismail could be provided physiotherapy treatment while remaining in custody.
“The bench had earlier rejected Ismail’s interim bail request and sought a response from the State on whether adequate medical care could be ensured within the jail premises.”
AS Ismail was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under charges framed in the UAPA. He has been accused of radicalising Muslim youth and inciting them against the Indian government, along with allegedly encouraging activities that support the establishment of Islamic rule in India.
As per investigation records, Ismail was formerly a member of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
He later became the president of PFI’s Tamil Nadu unit and was eventually appointed as a member of its National Executive Council.
The case has attracted national attention due to the serious nature of allegations against Ismail and the involvement of the NIA.
The Supreme Court, after carefully reviewing the medical-related claims and the response of jail authorities, concluded that there was no need for interim bail, as adequate medical facilities were accessible in custody itself.
“After satisfying itself of the submissions in today’s hearing, the Court closed the matter.”
Background of the Case
AS Ismail, a senior member of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
He is accused of influencing Muslim youth and promoting anti-government sentiments, allegedly aiming to encourage the idea of establishing Islamic rule in the country.
Before his association with PFI, Ismail was reportedly linked to the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), which has also been banned. He held key positions within the PFI, including serving as the Tamil Nadu State President and later as part of its National Executive Council.
After his arrest, Ismail approached the Supreme Court seeking temporary release from custody on medical grounds, particularly for access to physiotherapy.
He claimed that appropriate medical treatment was not available within the prison facility.
The Supreme Court, however, declined to grant him interim bail immediately and instead directed the Delhi government to clarify whether physiotherapy could be arranged within Tihar Jail.
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In the subsequent hearing, the State assured the Court that such treatment was available and could be provided to Ismail based on medical recommendations from an authorised doctor.
Upon receiving this confirmation, the bench concluded that there was no need to release him on medical grounds and formally closed the interim bail plea.
Case Title:
AS Ismail vs. State (NCT of Delhi)
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