Excelsior Correspondent
Anantnag, May 3:National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court Anantnag presided over by Special Judge Khalil Ahmad Choudhary has decided 65 bail applications under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in past 25 days via virtual mode amid nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.
Fourty four applications were rejected and 21 applicants were admitted on bail, as per the official data accessed by reliable sources.
Further, in one hundred and twelve matters, the court granted extension of remand to investigation agency to carry on the investigation.
In 22 cases, the court granted extension of remand beyond the period of 90 days upto 180 days, exercising the special powers conferred on it under UAPA Act.
The counsel for applicants and prosecution submitted their arguments through WhatsApp, E-mail and video call. After hearing both the sides, the court issued the orders and provided copies of orders to parties via virtual mode.
“Under Criminal Procedure Code, investigation agency has to submit chargesheet against accused within sixty days,” said a lawyer.
He added that, however, in case, a person is accused under UAPA, the stipulated time for filing of chargesheet is 90 days.
“The NIA Court has powers to extend the remand of accused further upto 180 days on request of prosecution in case investigation agency has not completed investigation within ninety days,” a lawyer said.
Under NIA legislation, commonly known as NIA Act, Government of Jammu and Kashmir has notified Additional Sessions Judge Anantnag as special court for the purpose of special offences. These courts are also commonly known as TADA and POTA courts in Jammu and Kashmir.
The NIA Court Anantnag has jurisdiction over Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian districts.
Amid COVID19, lockdown, the court has continued to hear matters via virtual mode.
It is pertinent to mention that following the imposition of nationwide lockdown to contain spread of virus, the Supreme Court has asked subordinate courts to adopt virtual mode for hearing matters to discourage physical presence of lawyers and litigants.
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