Overview
- A division bench of Justices Vinod Chatterji Koul and Sanjeev Kumar modified Para’s 2022 bail condition to allow travel outside J&K after he informs the trial court of his location and purpose.
- The relaxation replaces a requirement to seek prior permission for every trip and was sought on the grounds that his duties as an MLA necessitate frequent travel.
- Para remains an accused in a UAPA case arising from his 2020 arrests, and the High Court had earlier described the prosecution’s evidence as “sketchy” when granting him bail in May 2022.
- Investigating agencies, including the NIA and SIA, had opposed broader travel permissions, citing national security concerns, flight risk, and the gravity of the charges.
- Para thanked the judiciary for restoring a “small but meaningful” part of his freedom, as a Special NIA Court had recently reserved its order on his plea for permanent travel clearance.