Bail Cases Involving Terrorism and National Security
Recent trends in the Indian Supreme Court involving bail petitions filed by individuals accused of terrorism and any terrorists seek bail citing prolonged incarceration. This has led to several controversial bail grants, including those given to Arvind Kejriwal and his associates in corruption cases, drawing public ire. It is highlighted that lawyers like Kapil Sibal often argue bail requests based on the long duration of imprisonment (referred to as “long time of incarceration”).
A significant development comes from the Patna High Court, where a two-judge bench delivered an order potentially guiding the Supreme Court on this matter. The court’s decision reflects a shift influenced by public frustration expressed on social media regarding perceived leniency toward accused terrorists. The bench has taken a bold and balanced stance in a bail appeal related to an NIA (National Investigation Agency) case involving a detainee held for over two and a half years.
The accused’s lawyers argued for bail based on the lengthy detention, referencing other cases where bail was granted on similar grounds, including infamous incidents like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. However, both the Special NIA Court and the High Court rejected bail requests, emphasizing that when national security and public safety are at stake, such arguments hold no merit.
The Patna High Court judges critically examined the evidence, noting strong proof linking the accused—named Anwar Rasheed to the People’s Front of India (PFI) and its financing of terrorist activities. The court praised the NIA’s investigation process and directed that the inquiry be completed within a year, ensuring the accused will remain in custody for at least another year.
Case has potential to reach the Supreme Court again, where liberal lawyers might challenge the Patna High Court’s ruling. However, overturning such a decision would require strong legal grounds given the seriousness of the charges: Rasheed is accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC), posing a clear threat to national security.
The judges, Rajeev Ranjan Prasad and Soreshwar Pandey, delivered a landmark judgment emphasizing that bail decisions must prioritize National Security and Constitutional Duties over individual liberties when terrorism is involved. The constitutional framework, noting that the fundamental rights come with restrictions related to public order, public health, and morality -all relevant in terrorism cases.
The court’s decision challenges the prevailing Supreme Court narrative that elevates individual liberty as paramount, reminding judges that Constitutional Duties toward protecting national unity and security supersede personal freedoms in such cases. It warns against granting bail to terrorists merely due to prolonged imprisonment, as they might resume anti-national activities if released.
Ongoing Supreme Court cases involving accused individuals like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who face similar charges related to the Delhi riots and are defended using comparable bail arguments. The Patna High Court ruling sends a clear message to the Supreme Court benches handling such cases to consider national security imperatives seriously.
The judiciary’s hierarchy, clarifying that High Court judges have independent authority and are not subordinate to Supreme Court judges. Many High Court judges are senior yet do not ascend to the Supreme Court, underscoring the significance of this judgment as an authoritative voice.
The Patna High Court’s decision reiterates the legal principle that bail is a right and jail is an exception—but this applies only in normal cases, not in matters threatening national security or public order. The video stresses that courts must not apply liberal bail standards blindly in terrorism cases because the protection of the nation’s integrity and public safety must prevail.
It also highlights the morale impact on security forces and paramilitary personnel risking their lives to capture terrorists alive. Releasing terrorists on bail under the guise of individual rights undermines the sacrifices of these forces and jeopardizes national security.
This is a strong directive for courts to weigh national security over individual freedoms in terrorism-related bail cases. The Patna High Court bench sent a pointed message to the Supreme Court: the judiciary must prioritize the safety and unity of the country over the arguments of defense lawyers when deciding bail. The accused in this particular case—charged under UAPA with pending investigations and witness testimonies—should not be granted bail simply due to extended incarceration.
The High Court judgment is a lesson for the Supreme Court and all judicial officers. The Courts must focus on Constitutional Duties, Public Safety, and National Security, rather than succumbing to pressure from defense counsel or public sentiment favoring individual liberties in terrorism-related cases.
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November 30, 2025 at 10:45AM
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