Best Morning To Send A Message": Supreme Court Denies Bail to UAPA Accused a Day After Red Fort Blast

The hearing, held before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, witnessed tense exchanges as the defense argued for leniency, citing prolonged custody and physical disability.

 ‘Not the Best Morning to Argue This Case’ — Lawyer’s Remark

During the proceedings, senior advocate Siddhartha Dave, representing the accused, remarked,

“It is not the best morning to argue this case after the events of yesterday.”

The comment came as the country continued to reel from the shock of the Red Fort car blast, which authorities have called a “terror-linked act” under investigation by the NIA and NSG.

However, Justice Mehta responded firmly, saying,

“This is the best morning to send a message.”

The court made it clear that the judiciary would maintain a zero-tolerance stance on terror-related activities, especially in the wake of recent national security incidents.

Court Points to Incriminating Evidence

The bench took note of materials recovered from the accused, which reportedly included inflammatory and extremist literature, and details of a WhatsApp group allegedly displaying a flag similar to that of the Islamic State (ISIS).

Justice Mehta observed that such evidence could not be taken lightly given the gravity of the charges.

The defense countered that only religious Islamic literature was found, denying any direct links to terror organizations.

Defense Pleads for Bail on Medical Grounds

The accused’s counsel highlighted that his client had been in custody for over two years and suffered from 70% disability. The lawyer further argued that no RDX or explosives had been recovered from him.

Despite these submissions, the court maintained that the nature of the allegations under the UAPA warranted continued detention until the trial concluded.

Supreme Court’s Direction on Trial Timeline

While refusing bail, the bench directed the trial court to conclude the proceedings within two years.
The order added that if the trial is not completed within this period — and the delay is not attributable to the accused — he may be allowed to reapply for bail.

Context: A Nation on Edge

The verdict comes at a sensitive time, just 24 hours after the deadly explosion near the Red Fort, which has placed Delhi-NCR on high alert.
Security agencies are continuing to probe possible terror modules behind the attack, with the NIA and forensic teams on site since Monday evening.

The Supreme Court’s firm stand reflects a growing emphasis on national security and deterrence against extremist activity.