In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition filed by the sons of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, challenging the framing of charges against them in a terror funding case. The court's decision marks a setback for the accused in the high-profile investigation.
Court Bench Rejects Appeal as Non-Maintainable
A bench comprising Justices Vivek Chaudhary and Manoj Jain delivered the ruling on 23 December 2025. The judges rejected the appeals filed by the two sons, Shahid Yusuf and Syed Ahmad Shakeel, on the primary ground that they were not maintainable in law. This technical dismissal means the court did not delve into the merits of the case at this stage but found the legal avenue chosen by the appellants to be inappropriate.
Background of the Terror Funding Case
The case stems from a broader investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into terror financing networks allegedly funnelling funds to militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The accused, being the kin of the Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief, were charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The trial court had earlier ordered the framing of formal charges against them, a procedural step that signifies the court believes there is sufficient prima facie evidence to proceed with a trial.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The dismissal of their plea by the High Court clears the way for the trial to proceed in the lower court. The sons of the Hizbul chief will now have to face the full trial process. Legal experts suggest this ruling underscores the judiciary's firm approach in procedural matters related to national security cases. The defence may now explore other legal options, but the path to contest the framing of charges at this juncture appears closed.
The case continues to be closely monitored as it is intertwined with larger efforts to dismantle terror financing infrastructure within the country. The court's decision reinforces the legal process, ensuring that cases of this nature move forward towards a conclusive trial.
