A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in Jammu has rejected the interim bail application of former Jammu & Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police Devinder Singh, who is facing trial in a terror-related case. Singh had sought temporary bail following the death of his father, Deedar Singh, to attend the last rites and related religious ceremonies.
While refusing interim bail, the court granted custody parole on humanitarian grounds, allowing Singh to participate in the funeral rituals under strict police supervision.
Court Allows Five-Day Custody Parole
According to the court’s order, Devinder Singh will be escorted by police from Kot Bhalwal Jail, Jammu, to Srinagar for a period of five days. He will be permitted to attend the Akhand Paath and other religious ceremonies scheduled between July 27 and July 30, after which he must return to jail by July 31.
The court directed that Singh remain in police custody throughout the parole period. He will stay at the nearest police station while in Srinagar and will be allowed to visit his family residence only between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., accompanied by an adequate police escort.
NIA Opposed Bail, Not Custody Parole
During the hearing, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed the request for interim bail, arguing that Devinder Singh is facing trial for serious offences related to national security under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. The agency also informed the court that Singh’s regular bail appeal is already pending before the High Court.
However, the NIA stated that it had no objection to custody parole on humanitarian grounds, provided that Singh remained under continuous police escort. The agency expressed concern that granting interim bail could potentially influence witnesses or affect the ongoing trial.
Background of the Case
Devinder Singh was arrested on January 11, 2020, after police intercepted a vehicle near Qazigund on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway. He was arrested along with Naveed Babu, Rafi Ahmad Rather, and advocate Irfan Shafi Mir in a case that later came under investigation by the NIA. The former police officer has since been facing trial on charges linked to alleged terrorist activities and unlawful association.
The case attracted nationwide attention because Singh was a serving senior police officer at the time of his arrest.
Humanitarian Consideration Without Affecting Trial
In its order, the Special NIA Court observed that humanitarian considerations justified granting limited custody parole to enable Singh to perform his religious obligations following his father’s death. At the same time, the court made it clear that the relief should not be interpreted as affecting the merits of the criminal proceedings or the pending bail application.
By choosing custody parole instead of interim bail, the court sought to balance humanitarian concerns with the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing trial.
Case Continues Before Court
With the interim bail plea rejected, Devinder Singh will continue to remain in judicial custody after completing the five-day custody parole. The trial in the terror case will proceed as scheduled, while his regular bail application remains pending before the High Court. The latest order underscores the judiciary’s approach of extending limited humanitarian relief without compromising the legal process in cases involving serious national security allegations.
