J&K High Court Grants Bail to Journalist Fahad Shah

J&K High Court Grants Bail to Journalist Fahad Shah

VoM News Desk | November 18, 2023 | 07:50 PM IST | Courts & Law, Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

J&K High Court Grants Bail to Journalist Fahad Shah

J&K High Court Grants Bail to Journalist Fahad Shah

Fahad Shah, the editor of The Kashmir Walla, has been granted bail by the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Shah had been in jail for 21 months under the Public Safety Action (PSA).

Key Points of the Case

• Dismissed Charges: The Court dismissed several charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), including abetting terrorism, waging war against the country, and promoting enmity.
• Continued Trial: Despite the bail, Shah will still face trial under other sections of the UAPA and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) for alleged unlawful activities and receiving funds in violation of the law.
• PSA Detention Overturned: Seven months earlier, the J&K High Court had overturned Shah’s PSA detention, questioning the authority’s apprehension of public order impact.
• Context of Arrest: Shah was arrested in February 2022 following a report on an encounter in Pulwama, accused of uploading anti-national content.

Legal Team’s Expectation and Global Response

• Shah’s legal team expects his release soon following the court’s decision.
• His arrest had drawn condemnation from journalists’ bodies globally, highlighting concerns over press freedom and preventive detention laws.

The case of Fahad Shah has become a focal point in discussions about press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, with the recent bail granting a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

VoM News Desk

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