Srinagar, August 6(KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the District and Sessions Judge, Kupwara, to urgently hear the long-pending bail application of 19-year-old Mubashir Manzoor, a student detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The matter was brought before Justice Mohammed Yousuf Wani, who took strong note of the delay caused by the extended medical leave of the Incharge National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court Judge in Kupwara.

During the proceedings, Justice Wani issued a clear directive to the Principal Sessions Judge, Kupwara, to prioritize and expedite the hearing of Mubashir’s bail plea without further delay. The High Court underlined the importance of timely justice, particularly in cases where the fundamental rights of an individual are at stake.

Mubashir Manzoor was represented by advocates Yasir Nabi Rather and Owais Majeed Dar, who argued that the prolonged delay in hearing the bail application amounted to a violation of their client’s constitutional rights, especially the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The counsels submitted that the absence of the designated NIA Judge had resulted in a procedural bottleneck, leaving the young student in prolonged detention without a timely judicial review of his case.

Justice Wani, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, emphasized that judicial delays—particularly when linked to administrative or staffing issues—must not become a barrier to the dispensation of justice. He further stated that ensuring access to justice is a foundational responsibility of the judiciary and must be upheld at all costs.(KNS).