Delhi High Court hears Andrabi appeals

The India — Delhi High Court on August 3, 2026, sought the response of the India — National Investigation Agency (NIA) on appeals filed by Kashmiri separatist leader Aasiya Andrabi and her associates Nahida Nasreen and Sofi Fehmida challenging their conviction and sentences in a UAPA terror case. The court condoned the delay in filing the appeals and issued notice to the NIA, granting time until September 15 to respond to pleas for suspension of sentences, with the next hearing scheduled for October 6. The three were convicted on January 14 by a special NIA court and sentenced on March 24: Andrabi to life imprisonment, and Nasreen and Fehmeeda to 30 years each. They were found guilty of conspiracy to wage war against India, membership of a terrorist organisation, and other offences under the UAPA and IPC. The case stems from a 2018 NIA investigation into the banned outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat, which allegedly advocated secession of India — Jammu and Kashmir and promoted anti-India propaganda. The trial court noted the convicts showed no remorse and aimed at secession of an integral part of India. Political reactions were mixed, with BJP leaders praising the verdict, while National Conference and PDP leaders urged respect for the judicial process and consideration of humanitarian aspects.