Daijiworld Media Network – Prayagraj

Prayagraj (UP), Sep 1: The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday September 1 pronounced verdict in the habeas corpus plea filed on behalf of Dr Kafeel Khan. The court revoked the National Security Act (NSA) charges against Dr Kafeel Khan, and directed his immediate release.

Khan is presently lodged in the Mathura jail under the National Security Act. He was arrested from Mumbai in January this year, for allegedly giving a provocative speech at the Aligarh Muslim University on December 13, 2019, amidst the anti-CAA protests.

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh had reserved judgment in the matter after perusing the original record of the proceedings against Dr Khan under the NSA. The Bench conducted two days hearing last week and the matter was listed for final disposal on Tuesday. Notably, Khan had been granted bail by the court of CJM, Aligarh on February 10. However, he has been languishing in jail under the NSA Act, which was slapped on him by the Aligarh District Magistrate on February 15.

The present habeas corpus plea was moved by Khan's mother, Nuzhat Perween. She had first approached the Supreme Court in March this year, seeking release of her son.

However, a bench comprising CJI S A Bobde, Justices Surya Kant and BR Gavai disposed of the plea with an observation that Allahabad High Court is the appropriate forum for dealing with the matter. Through an order dated August 19, the High Court sought for the original record of the proceedings against Dr Khan under the NSA.