Supreme Court Sets One-Year Deadline for Md Heydaitullah’s UAPA Trial

The Supreme Court on August 11, 2026, directed a Delhi special court to complete within one year the trial of Md Heydaitullah, who is accused in a case involving alleged online radicalisation linked to terrorist organisation ISIS.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order while hearing Heydaitullah’s challenge to the Delhi High Court’s January 2025 decision refusing him bail. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in October 2022, following an FIR registered in 2021.

According to the prosecution, Heydaitullah allegedly disseminated ISIS ideology through cyberspace, promoted enmity against Hindus and spread hatred against the Government of India through social media. The NIA also alleged that he transferred funds from his bank account for ISIS-related activities and recovered incriminating material from electronic devices during the investigation.

The Delhi High Court had earlier referred to the allegation that Heydaitullah took a Bayath, or oath of allegiance, in 2018 to former ISIS leaders Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi while rejecting his bail plea. These remain prosecution allegations and have not been established through a final trial verdict.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the NIA informed the Supreme Court that there are 12 accused in the case. Eight have been charge-sheeted and charges have been framed against them, while four are absconding. The case also involves 14 protected witnesses.

Heydaitullah’s counsel told the court that he had been in custody for around four years. In view of the prolonged custody and the pending proceedings, the Supreme Court directed the special court to complete examination of vital and protected witnesses within six months and finish the entire trial within one year.

The Court also said the special court may conduct hearings on a day-to-day basis, if necessary. The case remains pending, and no finding of guilt has been made against Heydaitullah.