UAPA Case | Delhi HC Grants Bail to Sobiya Aziz, Kamran Ashraf Reshi After Nearly 5 Years

The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Sobiya Aziz and Kamran Ashraf Reshi, who have been in custody for nearly five years in a case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Division Bench noted that only 21 of the 359 prosecution witnesses had been examined and the trial was unlikely to conclude soon.

Background of the Case

The two appellants challenged orders of the trial court refusing them bail in SC No. 2/2022, NIA v. Tariq Ahmad Dar & Ors. Sobiya Aziz was arrested on October 22, 2021, while Kamran Ashraf Reshi was arrested on October 20, 2021. Both faced charges under provisions of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Court’s Observation

The Bench of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja considered the prolonged custody along with the stage of the trial. It also examined the material placed against both appellants without making findings that could affect the eventual trial.

For Sobiya Aziz, the Court noted that the prosecution material provided an arguable case for bail and found no positive link between her and an alleged death threat to a prosecution witness.

The Court observed:

“Keeping in view the fact that the appellant Sobiya Aziz has been in long incarceration of almost 5 years; is a lady; is suffering from various ailments; and the trial is not likely to conclude anytime soon, we are of the opinion that the appellant is entitled to be released on bail.”

For Reshi, the Court said that after examining the allegations and material relied upon by the NIA, his prolonged custody and the slow progress of the trial made out a case for bail.

Decision

The High Court set aside the orders rejecting bail and directed that Sobiya Aziz and Kamran Ashraf Reshi be released on bail, subject to conditions including a ₹2 lakh personal bond with two sureties each, surrender of passports, travel restrictions, regular appearance before the trial court, restrictions on contacting witnesses, and fortnightly reporting to the Investigating Officer.

The Court clarified that its observations were confined to consideration of bail and would not be treated as findings on the merits of the case.

Case Details:

• Case Title: Kamran Ashraf Reshi & Sobiya Aziz v. National Investigation Agency
• Case Number: CRL.A. 453/2023 & CRL.A. 528/2026
• Judge: Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja
• Decision Date: September 3, 2026