Supreme Court upholds bail for man accused of terror links
New Delhi: The Supreme Court recently upheld the bail granted to Asif Musthaheen, who was arrested on charges of ISIS links, support for Al-Qaeda ideology, and plotting to kill members of Hindu organizations. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan ruled in favor of maintaining the bail, primarily due to Asif's prolonged incarceration since July 2022. However, the Court expunged certain remarks made by the Madras High Court regarding evidentiary matters and legal interpretations.
The Court clarified that observations about the evidentiary value of text messages and whether offenses under Section 38(2) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) were made out should not be treated as precedents. "Such observations by the High Court while deciding a bail application are apparently out of context," the bench stated.
Asif's defense argued that his detention violated Article 21 of the Constitution due to procedural delays in the prosecution process. The defense also contended that no incriminating evidence beyond a mobile phone had been recovered and that the allegations, even if true, did not constitute terrorism under the UAPA.
In contrast, the prosecution emphasized the severity of the charges, noting Asif’s alleged ideological alignment with Al-Qaeda and proximity to an ISIS-linked co-accused. The High Court, however, found that there was no clear evidence tying Asif to an active terrorist conspiracy, distinguishing between personal associations and actual involvement in terrorist activities.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
