Srinagar, Nov 18 (KNS): The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has granted bail to Kashmiri journalist Fahad Shah in connection with the publication of a "seditious" article in his now-defunct digital magazine, The Kashmir Walla.
The release is subject to Shah furnishing a personal bond and a surety of Rs 50,000 each. The virtual pronouncement of the bail order was made by Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Mohal Lal. Charges under Sections 18 of UAPA and Sections 121 and 53-B of the Indian Penal Code were quashed by the Bench, which respectively relate to terror conspiracy, waging war against the nation, and assertions prejudicial to national integrity.
While Shah is relieved of these charges, he will still face trial under Section 13 of the UAPA for allegedly abetting unlawful activities, and Sections 35 and 39 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. These involve illegally receiving foreign funds and offenses by companies, respectively. Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal had earlier quashed Shah's detention under the Public Safety Act in April, citing procedural lapses.
The case stems from a 2011 article titled 'The shackles of slavery will break,' published in Shah's magazine. A chargesheet was filed in October last year, and charges were framed in March this year. Shah had previously faced charges related to his coverage of an encounter in 2020 and an article in 2021, receiving bail in both instances.(KNS)