New Delhi, Jan 12 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Alemla Jamir, a leader of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) NSCN (IM), noting her prolonged incarceration of more than six years and the progress of the trial.
A Bench comprising Justice M M Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh allowed her appeal against the Delhi High Court’s order, which had earlier rejected her bail plea.
Granting bail, the Bench observed, “Leave granted. Many of the witnesses have already been examined, and the appellant has been incarcerated for over six years.
We also take note of the fact that the appellant here is a lady. Taking all of the above into consideration, we are inclined to grant bail.”
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of Jamir, while Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Singh Bhati represented the investigating agencies.
During the hearing, ASG Bhati pointed out Jamir’s profile, stating that she was a senior functionary of the organisation.
Responding to this, Justice Sundresh remarked that the Court had taken note of the circumstances, including the fact that her husband was absconding, and observed that she could not be made to suffer indefinitely.
The ASG further submitted that Jamir herself was the Vice President of the outfit and that six witnesses had already been examined in the case.
Alemla Jamir has been accused of offences under Sections 10, 13, 17, 18, 20, and 21 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly raising and collecting funds for NSCN (IM), which the investigating agencies claim is a terrorist organisation.
Her bail plea was earlier rejected by the Delhi High Court, which held that she was a highly influential person holding a senior position in NSCN (IM) and that there was a likelihood of her influencing witnesses and tampering with evidence.
The High Court had also noted that the chargesheet disclosed a prima facie case of terror funding and criminal conspiracy against her.
In 2019, Jamir was intercepted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi with Rs 72 lakh in cash. According to the prosecution, investigations revealed links to NSCN (IM), and the money was allegedly meant to support the organisation’s activities.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which later took over the probe, filed charges against her under Sections 120B, 384, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code, Sections 17, 18, 20, and 21 of the UAPA, and Section 25 of the Arms Act.
Jamir, however, has argued that NSCN (IM) was not a declared terrorist organisation and relied on the 1997 Ceasefire Agreement and the 2015 Framework Agreement entered into with the Government of India to contend that the outfit had a recognised status.
Taking into account the long period of custody, the stage of the trial, and other relevant factors, the Supreme Court granted her bail, subject to conditions to be imposed by the trial court.
SC grants bail to NSCN (IM) leader Alemla Jamir after over six years in jail
