Asiya Indrabi

Delhi High Court Seeks NIA Response on Aasiya Andrabi’s Appeal Against UAPA Conviction

New Delhi:The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the response of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on appeals filed by separatist leader Aasiya Andrabi and her two associates challenging their conviction under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The appeals challenge the judgment of a special NIA court, which convicted the three for conspiracy to wage war against India and for being members of a banned terrorist organisation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

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High Court Issues Notice to NIA

A Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan condoned the delay in filing the appeals and issued notice to the NIA.

The court directed the investigating agency to file its response by 15 September on the convicts’ applications seeking suspension of their sentences.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on 6 October.

Life Imprisonment for Aasiya Andrabi

Aasiya Andrabi, founder of the separatist organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), was convicted by a special NIA court on 14 January.

On 24 March, the trial court sentenced:

  • Aasiya Andrabi – Life imprisonment
  • Nahida Nasreen – 30 years’ imprisonment
  • Sofi Fehmeeda – 30 years’ imprisonment

The court held that the three had carried out a sustained campaign aimed at destabilising Jammu and Kashmir.

Charges Under UAPA and IPC

The three women were formally charged in February 2021 under several provisions of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The trial court found them guilty under:

UAPA

  • Section 18 – Conspiracy to commit terrorist acts
  • Section 38 – Membership of a terrorist organisation

Indian Penal Code

  • Section 121A – Conspiracy to wage war against the Government of India
  • Section 120B – Criminal conspiracy
  • Section 153A – Promoting enmity between groups
  • Section 153B – Statements prejudicial to national integration
  • Section 505 – Statements causing public mischief

Trial Court’s Observations

While awarding the sentences, the trial court observed that none of the convicts had expressed remorse for their actions.

According to the judgment, the court held that showing leniency would be inappropriate in view of the nature of the offences for which they were convicted.

Background of the Case

The NIA registered the case in April 2018 following directions from the Union Home Ministry.

According to the FIR, Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), founded by Aasiya Andrabi in 1987, was alleged to be a banned organisation under the First Schedule of the UAPA.

The agency alleged that Andrabi and her associates:

  • Used various media platforms to spread anti-India and separatist content.
  • Advocated the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India.
  • Promoted violence and allegedly sought support from banned terrorist organisations.
  • Delivered speeches and published material that, according to investigators, threatened India’s sovereignty and promoted communal hatred.

These allegations formed the basis of the prosecution before the special NIA court.

Earlier Arrest

Aasiya Andrabi was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in April 2018 in Anantnag over allegations that she was planning a large-scale demonstration and stone-pelting protest.

She was later taken into custody in the NIA case and remained in judicial custody during the investigation and trial.

Case Timeline

1987
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▼
Aasiya Andrabi founds Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM)
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April 2018
NIA registers case following Union Home Ministry directions
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February 2021
Charges framed under UAPA and IPC
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14 January 2026
Special NIA court convicts Andrabi and two associates
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24 March 2026
Andrabi sentenced to life imprisonment
Two associates receive 30-year prison terms
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▼
3 August 2026
Delhi High Court seeks NIA response on appeals

Key Highlights

  • The Delhi High Court has sought the NIA’s response to appeals filed by Aasiya Andrabi, Nahida Nasreen, and Sofi Fehmeeda.
  • Andrabi is challenging her life imprisonment under the UAPA.
  • Her two associates were each sentenced to 30 years in prison.
  • The High Court has asked the NIA to respond by 15 September and fixed 6 October for the next hearing.
  • The trio were convicted of offences under the UAPA and several provisions of the Indian Penal Code related to conspiracy, terrorism, and promoting enmity.
  • The NIA case originated in 2018 following allegations that the banned Dukhtaran-e-Millat was involved in activities threatening India’s sovereignty.

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