Delhi HC allows three-day custody parole for former PFI Chief, restricts release to six hours per day

New Delhi [India], April 28 (ANI): The Delhi High Court Monday approved custody parole to OMA Salam, former chairman of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), allowing him to travel to his hometown in Kerala for religious and familial rites following the tragic passing of his daughter, a medical student.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja reviewed the arguments presented and approved a three-day custody parole, permitting Salam six hours of supervised release per day.
The court further ruled that Salam must personally bear the travel expenses, along with those of his accompanying security personnel.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed the extended parole, arguing that Salam's prominent role within PFI could lead to a significant strain on state resources.

However, Salam's counsel assured the court that he would remain at home, pray at his daughter's grave, and only interact with family members, abstaining from any external communication during the parole period.
Previously, Salam had received a limited custody parole of just one day for six hours, which he challenged in the high court, seeking an extension. Custody parole allows detainees to visit designated locations under strict police supervision.
As PFI chairman, Salam was arrested in 2022 during a sweeping crackdown on the banned organisation.
Authorities alleged that PFI members conspired to secure funds for terrorist activities and ran ideological training camps to indoctrinate recruits. Prior to PFI's nationwide prohibition, coordinated raids across 11 states led to multiple arrests and detentions. Affected regions included Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
On September 28, 2022, the government imposed a five-year ban on PFI and its affiliated entities under UAPA, citing alleged connections to international terrorist organisations, including ISIS. (ANI)