Sadiya Anwar Shaikh challenges her sentence in UAPA, Delhi HC seeks response from NIA

New Delhi (India) Aug 29 (ANI): The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sadiya Anwar Shaikh’s plea challenging her sentence under the UAPA.

Sadiya Anwar Shaikh, along with four others, was convicted of carrying out anti-national activities and their association with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which is part of the banned terrorist organization ISIS.

She was sentenced to seven years in prison. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced on April 18, 2024.

A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma asked the NIA to file its counter affidavit two days before the next date of hearing.

Sadiya Anwar Shaikh filed an appeal through advocate Rajat Kumar challenging the sentencing order on 6 May 2024. She was given a 7-year sentence for offenses under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 (UAPA).

Section 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967 deals with offenses relating to membership of a terrorist organisation. It provides that a person who commits such an offense can be punished with a fine, imprisonment for up to 10 years or both. Section 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967 deals with supporting terrorist organisations.

The appellant’s contention is that accused Abdullah Basith, who is similarly placed in relation to the appellant, was sentenced for the period already served for the same offences. Basith was arrested for 4 years. The appellant has been in custody for more than 4 years and prayed for a reduced sentence.

“Let the NIA file the counter affidavit at least two days before the next date of hearing,” the division bench said on August 27.

The roll call was also sought from the Superintendent of the jail concerned till the next date of hearing. The matter was listed on September 11 along with 4 other appeals filed by other convicts.

The special NIA court convicted Abdullah Basith, Jahanzaib Sami his wife Heena Bashir Baig, Nabeel Siddiq and Sadiya Anwar Shaikh. She belongs to Pune district of Maharashtra. (YEAR)