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The Delhi High Court has sought the NIA’s response to appeals filed by Asiya Andrabi and her co-convicts challenging their convictions and sentences in a UAPA case.
Court Issues Notice on Appeal Against Conviction
In the Asiya Andrabi NIA Appeal, the Delhi High Court issued notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on an appeal filed by Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi challenging her life imprisonment in a terror and secessionism case. A Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan directed the NIA to file its response. The Court also listed the matter for further hearing in October 2026.
Court Also Considers Appeals by Co-Convicts
Additionally, the Bench issued notice on the appeals and applications seeking suspension of sentence filed by Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen. Both women challenged the sentences imposed by the trial court.
The High Court directed the NIA to submit its reply to their applications as well. Thereafter, the Court said it would consider their requests for suspension of sentence at the next hearing.
Special NIA Court Convicted the Three Women
The appeals arise from a judgment delivered by the Special NIA Court at Karkardooma, Delhi. The trial court convicted all three accused under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Asiya Andrabi, who headed the banned Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), received a sentence of life imprisonment. Meanwhile, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen each received 30 years’ imprisonment.
Trial Court Found Accused Guilty of Anti-National Activities
According to the trial court, Andrabi was guilty of waging war against the Government of India, criminal conspiracy, and involvement in terrorist activities. The court also found that the accused had continuously engaged in anti-national propaganda, delivered hate speeches, and used social media campaigns to incite violence and undermine national integration.
The Asiya Andrabi NIA Appeal will now proceed after the NIA files its response. The Delhi High Court will examine both the appeals against conviction and the applications seeking suspension of sentence during the next hearing.
