PFI Arrests: 9 Men Approach Delhi High Court Against 'Illegal Custody', Seek Compensation

A total of nine men, who were recently arrested in connection with the ban on Popular Front of India (PFI), have moved the Delhi High Court seeking their release and compensation, alleging that they were unlawfully detained by the police.

During the course of hearing today before a division bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Amit Sharma, the Delhi Police raised preliminary objection against maintainability of the petitions, arguing that habeas corpus pleas cannot lie as most of the petitioners have been released on bail.

Accordingly, the bench granted time to the petitioners to enable them to file additional documents they wish to rely upon, including copy of relevant precedents.

The pleas seek independent enquiry against the investigating agency and its "erring" officials.

The matter will now be heard on November 21.

The petitioners who have moved habeas corpus pleas before the court are Shaikh Gulpham Hossein, Abdullah, Mohsin Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, Abdul Rab, Habeeb Asghar Jamali, MD. Waris Khan, Mohammad Jabir and Salahuddin.

Various persons were arrested in an FIR alleging that the members of the PFI were indulging in anti-national activities at various offices of the group.

It was on September 28 that the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts as "unlawful associations" with immediate effect for a period of 5 years in exercise of the powers under Sec 3(1) of UAPA.

Citing their alleged links with terrorist organizations and alleged involvement in terror acts, the Centre proscribed PFI and its affiliates Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala.

Title: SHAIKH GULPHAM HOSSEIN & ORS. v. COMMISSIONER OF DELHI POLICE & ORS. And other connected matters