SC Closes PFI Leader AS Ismail’s Interim Bail Plea After Tihar Assures Physiotherapy Facilities

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday disposed of a plea filed by Popular Front of India (PFI) leader and UAPA accused AS Ismail, who had sought interim bail on medical grounds, after being assured by state authorities that physiotherapy facilities were available in Tihar Jail.

A bench comprising Justices KV Viswanathan and N Kotiswar Singh took note of submissions by the Delhi government’s counsel, Archana Pathak Dave, who informed the court that physiotherapy services requested by Ismail could be provided in Tihar Jail No. 1 and, if medically required, in Jail No. 3 as well under the supervision of authorised doctors.

“Physiotherapy is available in Tihar Jail, and if required, it will be extended to other jail premises as per medical advice,” Dave told the bench.

Previously, the Supreme Court had denied interim bail to Ismail and directed authorities to confirm whether adequate medical treatment could be ensured within the jail.

Ismail, currently held under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), is accused of radicalising Muslim youth and encouraging them to act against the Indian government and other groups opposing the establishment of Islamic rule.

Ismail has a history of association with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and had served as PFI’s Tamil Nadu president before becoming a member of its National Executive Council.