'Not a precedent', HC grants bail to Safoora Zargar as Police withdraws objection to her release on Humanitarian ground

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Safoora Zargar, a pregnant Jamia student under custody for alleged conspiracy behind Delhi Riots, after the Delhi Police stated that it had no objection to her release on humanitarian grounds.

Her arrest amid COVID-19 lockdown attracted a lot of concern and attention as she is more than 6 months pregnant and jails remain overcrowded. She has been in the custody for over more than two months now.

During the hearing, SG Tushar Mehta, representing Delhi Police, submitted that without going into the merits of the plea and considering this as a precedent, the State has no problem with Safoora being released on bail provided she doesn't indulge in activities she's being investigated for and that she should remain in the Capital.

On the other hand, Learned Counsel of Safoora Zargar submitted that she might have to go to Faridabad to consult her doctor.

On receiving Centre's concession, the Court granted regular bail to Safoora on furnishing a personal bond of ₹10k and on certain conditions including she should refrain from hampering investigation, leave Delhi only after taking permission from concerned Court and should remain in touch with the IO once in every 15 days via phone call.

The Court also clarified that the order should not be 'treated as a precedent' in this case or any other case.

The Court also highlighted that he had received certain documents in sealed cover from the State, which he hasn't opened or perused and shall returned to the SG Office.

Zargar has been booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act on the allegation that she hatched the criminal conspiracy behind the riots which happened in North East Delhi during February 23-25 and has been alleged to conspire so to destroy, destabilize and disintegrate the Government of India in order to compel to withdraw the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the alleged National Register of Citizens.