Delhi High Court Seeks Response on Denial of Communication Facilities to Terror Funding Accused
The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Delhi Government and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a plea filed by Masasasong AO, an accused in a terror funding case. Masasasong challenged the denial of telephone and E-Mulakat (video conferencing) facilities in Tihar Jail.
Masasasong has been in custody since 2020 after being arrested by the NIA in connection with an alleged terror funding case. He is challenging a circular issued by the NIA requesting jail authorities not to grant communication facilities to prisoners accused of terror activities or crimes against the state without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the agency.
Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the city government and NIA to file their responses within three weeks. The petitioner's counsel argued that the denial of communication facilities is causing hardship for Masasasong, who is concerned about the well-being of his elderly parents and minor children.
The plea states that Masasasong's request for E-Mulakat and telephone calls was rejected based on the NIA's circular. The circular cites the possibility of influencing witnesses and tampering with evidence as reasons for denying communication facilities.
The petitioner's counsel further argued that the NIA issued an addendum to the circular, clarifying that E-Mulakat and telephone facilities should only be allowed after receiving an NOC from the investigating agency. However, this has caused further hardship for Masasasong, who is unable to communicate with his family.
The court will hear the responses from the Delhi Government and NIA before making a decision on Masasasong's plea.