Today, on 12th November, The Supreme Court directed AIIMS to evaluate the health of E Abubacker, the former chairman of the banned outfit PFI, to determine his eligibility for bail on medical grounds. Abubacker has sought bail due to health concerns. The Court’s order mandates a medical assessment at AIIMS to decide whether he qualifies for bail. This development is part of his ongoing legal proceedings.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court directed AIIMS to conduct a medical examination of E. Abubacker, the former chairman of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), to assess his eligibility for bail on medical grounds.
Stressing that urgent medical needs cannot be ignored, The Court emphasized,
“If he requires urgent medical intervention and we do not acknowledge it, we will also bear responsibility,”
The case heard by a bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Aravind Kumar. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA), opposed the bail plea, noting that despite multiple visits to AIIMS, doctors found no reason to recommend hospitalization.
The Court ordered that Abubacker be taken to AIIMS within two days for admission as an in-patient for a thorough medical examination.
Justice Sundresh remarked,
“If there is continued non-cooperation, we will have no choice but to dismiss the case,”
But reassured,
“Let us leave it to the doctors…whatever the doctors say, we will go with it.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the accused, E. Abubacker, is not an ordinary criminal and that there is evidence of tutoring and other actions related to terrorist activities.
Justice Sundresh responded,
“Let the report come, and the court will examine it. We will rely on that,”
While emphasizing,
“If he requires urgent medical attention, we cannot deny it at this moment.”
Mehta also contended that the former PFI chief intends to regain his previous activities, which the government seeks to prevent.
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The bench scheduled further hearings for two weeks, directing that the medical report be submitted by the director within three days after the examination. Senior advocate Kamini Jaiswal, representing the petitioner, argued that Abubacker requires a PET scan and is seriously ill due to multiple health conditions.
The Supreme Court hearing an appeal against a May 2024 Delhi High Court decision that had denied Abubacker bail. He faces charges under Section 120-B & 153-A of the IPC and Sections 17, 18, 18B, 20, 22, 38 & 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.