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Supreme Court Grants Bail to Separatist Leader Shabir Ahmad Shah in Terror Funding Case
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah in a terror funding case in which he had been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in June 2019.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta allowed the bail plea, stating that a detailed order outlining the conditions of bail would be issued later. The court indicated that stringent conditions would accompany the relief granted to Shah.
The order came after the bench heard final rejoinder arguments presented on behalf of Shah by senior advocate Colin Gonsalves. Representing the NIA, senior advocate Siddharth Luthra opposed the plea during the hearing.
While considering the case, the apex court pointed to several irregularities in the trial proceedings and also took note of Shah’s prolonged incarceration. Shah has remained in custody since his arrest on June 4, 2019.
Earlier, on September 4 last year, the Supreme Court had declined to grant him interim bail and had sought a response from the NIA regarding his challenge to a bail denial order passed by the Delhi High Court on June 12, 2025. The High Court had rejected his bail application, stating that there was a possibility he could engage in similar unlawful activities or influence witnesses if released.
The case dates back to 2017 when the NIA registered a case against 12 individuals on charges of conspiring to raise funds to disturb public order in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation alleged that funds were used to support activities such as stone-pelting, damaging public property and attempts to wage war against the government.
According to the agency, Shah allegedly played a significant role in promoting separatist activities by mobilising public support for secessionist slogans, glorifying slain militants, and raising funds through hawala channels and cross-Line of Control trade. Investigators claimed that these funds were later used to support militant and subversive operations in the region.
With the Supreme Court granting bail after more than five years of detention, Shah is expected to be released once the conditions set by the court are fulfilled. The detailed order outlining the bail terms is awaited.
