The Supreme Court allowed jailed PFI founder E Abubacker to receive treatment at a Delhi hospital. The order balances medical needs with strict security, access and cost conditions.
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Newdelhi,Oct 16, 2026 17:00 IST
The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Popular Front of India founding chairman E Abubacker, who was arrested in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, to undergo treatment at a Delhi hospital, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The court imposed several conditions, including that Abubacker bear the cost of his treatment and the police escort. It also allowed one family member to accompany him.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale directed that Abubacker be treated at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket. The bench asked the hospital to submit a report on the further treatment required and the possible duration of his stay.
"The petitioner shall also pay requisite charges for escort. We make it clear the attendant should not carry objectionable items. We request the hospital to file a report on further course of treatment required along with possible period of stay. Cost of hospital shall be borne by the petitioner," the bench said.
Justice Sundresh orally observed that the court could not be insensitive to such matters, adding that as a judge, "you have to mix it with some sympathy".
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the National Investigation Agency, said Abubacker could be sent to Max hospital for treatment for one week, according to PTI.
"Secondly, no devices in hospital. Thirdly, no outsiders can meet him in the hospital. Police will be outside the room at his cost," Raju said.
A Delhi court had earlier rejected Abubacker's bail plea. He was arrested for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the Indian government and establish an Islamic caliphate by 2047.
According to the NIA, the PFI, its office-bearers and members had allegedly conspired to raise funds for carrying out acts of terror in different parts of the country. The agency also alleged that the organisation was holding camps to indoctrinate and train its members for this purpose.
Abubacker said he was in his 70s, had Parkinson's disease and had undergone surgery for cancer. He also argued that he was entitled to bail on the merits of the case, claiming that the NIA had "miserably" failed to build a case against him.
Abubacker was arrested on September 22, 2022, during nationwide raids conducted as part of a multi-agency operation led by the NIA. A large number of alleged PFI activists were detained or arrested across 11 states for allegedly supporting terrorist activities.
The government banned the PFI and several associated organisations for five years on September 28, 2022, under the anti-terror law, accusing them of links with global terrorist groups such as ISIS.
The Supreme Court has now permitted Abubacker to receive hospital treatment under restrictions, while requiring him to pay the medical and escort costs and limiting access to him during his stay.
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