Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed in Pahalgam Terror Attack Case
A significant legal development has occurred in the Pahalgam terror attack case, as a Jammu court has issued a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, the leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba. This warrant allows the trial to move forward despite Saeed's absence, following a supplementary charge sheet from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that links him to the attack that killed 26 people. The NIA argues that Saeed is evading arrest from Pakistan, and the court proceedings can continue under Indian law. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding terrorism and security in the region.
Jul 14, 2026, 13:37 IST
Significant Development in Pahalgam Terror Attack Case
In a crucial update regarding the 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, a court in Jammu has issued a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, the leader of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This decision paves the way for the trial to proceed in his absence. The order follows a supplementary charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on July 6, which names Saeed as an accused and alleges that he masterminded the attack on April 22, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. The anti-terror agency requested the court to issue the warrant, stating that the accused is deliberately evading arrest and that the NIA seeks to initiate further legal actions against him in this case.
NIA's Arguments and Legal Proceedings
In its application, the NIA argued that Saeed is currently in Pakistan, making it impossible to ensure his presence in an Indian court. The agency informed the court that all legal avenues to bring him back from Pakistan have been "virtually exhausted," and therefore, judicial proceedings should continue despite his physical absence. According to the NIA, the conspiracy for the Pahalgam attack was orchestrated in Pakistan, with Saeed playing a pivotal role. The agency has also linked him to several previous terrorist attacks against India. Under the Indian National Security Code (BNSS), if an accused is outside India, deliberately avoids court appearance, and there is sufficient evidence to prosecute for serious crimes, courts can proceed with the trial in their absence.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Before such a trial can commence, it is necessary for the court to issue summons and warrants. If the accused fails to appear, they can be declared a proclaimed offender, allowing proceedings to continue in their absence. The NIA's initial charge sheet included three Pakistani terrorists—Suleiman, Jibran, and Hamza Afghani—along with Sajid Saifullah Jatt, an operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan, and local residents Bashir Ahmed and Parvez Ahmed from Pahalgam.