The Telangana High Court has issued a stern rebuke to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for prolonged delays in progressing its criminal appeals aimed at revoking bail granted to members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). A division bench expressed strong dissatisfaction with the agency’s inaction and ordered the NIA to pay ₹20,000 to the High Court Advocates’ Association as a penalty.
Despite filing appeals in 2024 to challenge the bail granted to the accused, the NIA has repeatedly sought adjournments and failed to proceed. The bench noted that nearly a year had passed without the appeals even being admitted, criticizing the NIA’s lax approach.
The accused PFI members were allegedly involved in indoctrinating and radicalising youth for violent extremist activities. Originally booked by Nizamabad police in 2022 under various provisions of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the case was later transferred to the NIA.
The court observed that the agency had missed multiple hearings since September 2024, citing excuses ranging from pending Supreme Court appeals to the non-availability of court orders. Notably, the NIA earlier stated that the Supreme Court passed an order on May 30, 2025, but during the June 16 hearing, it submitted an order dated April 30, 2025, exposing discrepancies and raising doubts over its credibility.
The High Court directed the agency to submit proof of cost payment on the next date of hearing.