New Delhi: The Patiala House Court in Delhi reserved its decision on Wednesday regarding a plea filed by Tahawwur Rana, which seeks permission for him to communicate with his family by phone.
Rana’s attorney, Piyush Sachdeva, argued that as a foreign national, he has the fundamental right to maintain contact with his family, who are concerned about his treatment in custody. However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed this request, citing the ongoing investigation and expressing fears that Rana might disclose sensitive information. Special Judge Chander Jit Singh is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter tomorrow.
On Monday, the Delhi Patiala House Court had issued a notice to the NIA regarding Rana’s application for telephonic communication with his family.
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian accused of terrorism, is a former military doctor with an alleged history of involvement in terror activities. He was recently extradited from the United States to India.
During a recent remand hearing, the court acknowledged evidence suggesting the existence of a large-scale terror conspiracy spanning multiple cities, with potential targets extending beyond India’s borders. The court emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Rana, which have direct implications for national security, and highlighted the necessity of confronting him with witnesses, forensic evidence, and seized documents related to reconnaissance operations.
Given the gravity of the case, the court granted an 18-day police custody remand while stressing strict compliance with legal protocols, including medical evaluations every 48 hours. Considering Rana’s reported health concerns and the assurances provided during the extradition proceedings, the court mandated that he receive appropriate medical care in line with established guidelines.
Rana faces several charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including conspiracy, terrorism, forgery, and waging war. The court noted that, under extradition laws, he can only be prosecuted for offenses explicitly mentioned in the extradition agreement. Additionally, because Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA are applicable, extended police custody beyond the usual limits set by the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) may be permitted due to the terrorist nature of the case.