Delhi Court Delivers Verdict in High-Profile Terror Case
A Delhi court delivered a significant verdict on Wednesday, convicting Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi and two of her associates in a terror case. The court acted under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This case has drawn national attention for its serious implications.
Arrest and Allegations Against Andrabi
Authorities arrested Asiya Andrabi in 2018. She serves as the chief of the banned Kashmiri outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DEM). Prosecutors accused her of using various platforms to spread what they termed "insurrectionary imputations and hateful speeches." These actions allegedly endangered the integrity, security, and sovereignty of India. The court is still preparing a detailed order explaining the conviction.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Framed
The court had framed multiple charges against Andrabi and her two associates back in February 2021. These charges included:
- Terrorism-related offenses under UAPA
- Sedition
- Waging war against the Government of India
- Criminal conspiracy
- Promoting enmity between different groups
Specifically, the court invoked sections of the Indian Penal Code such as 120-B for conspiracy, 121 for waging war, and 124-A for sedition. Under the UAPA, charges included sections 18 for conspiring to commit terror acts and 38 for membership in a terrorist organization.
NIA's Role and Claims
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) led the probe in this case. According to the NIA, Andrabi and her associates were involved in a conspiracy aimed at severely destabilizing India's sovereignty and integrity. The agency claimed that the trio used cyber space to run a concerted campaign. This campaign allegedly sought support from the Pakistani establishment and terrorist entities based in Pakistan.
Furthermore, the NIA asserted that the accused used various media platforms to spread hateful speeches. These speeches openly advocated for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India. The three individuals have remained in custody since their arrest in April 2018.
Recent Court Developments
In a notable development from September 2025, the court rejected an NIA plea. The agency had sought to submit additional evidence through a supplementary chargesheet. However, the court declined this request because final arguments in the trial had already concluded. This decision underscored the procedural timeline of the case.
The conviction marks a pivotal moment in this long-running legal saga. It highlights the ongoing efforts to address activities perceived as threats to national security. The case continues to await the detailed court order for further clarity on the judgment.
