Activist Gulfisha Fatima, an MBA graduate and radio jockey, has been imprisoned for over five years without a verdict on her bail application. Her arrest on April 9, 2020, stemmed from her involvement in peaceful protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the subsequent Delhi riots.
The Charges and Court Battles
Fatima was booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for allegedly being part of a secret conspiracy behind the riots, despite no evidence linking her to violence. Her bail application was rejected by a lower court in March 2022, but subsequent hearings in the high court have been marred by delays and judge transfers.
Delays and Indefinite Detention
The Delhi High Court has heard her case multiple times since January 2023, but no verdict has been delivered. Despite the Supreme Court's directive to expedite the hearing, Fatima remains in Tihar Jail, sparking concerns about judicial bias and the treatment of activists and religious minorities in India.
Disparity in Justice
Fatima's case highlights the disparity in the Indian justice system, where some individuals, like Arnab Goswami and Ram Rahim, receive swift bail or parole, while others, like Fatima and fellow activists Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi, face prolonged imprisonment without trial or verdict.
International Scrutiny
Fatima's case has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations, including the United Nations and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, calling for her release.
Conclusion
Gulfisha Fatima's case serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by activists and minority groups in India, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of the country's judicial system.
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