Listen to this article:

Srinagar: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu has directed jail authorities not to unnecessarily handcuff separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah while taking him from Central Jail Kot Bhalwal to a hospital or court. Seventy-four-year-old Shah has been in and out of prison since 1989. In his application to the court, he cited his age and multiple health issues, and said handcuffing could cause pain and put his health at further risk.

Special Judge of the NIA court in Jammu, Prem Sagar, considered Shah’s application, submitted through his counsel, Tanveer Ahmed Khan, on August 18. Khan was seeking medical treatment and protection against handcuffing or shackling during his movement outside jail.

The court said in its order that Shah is in an “advanced stage of age” and suffers from many ailments. The order says that the jail authorities must abide by the jail manual while escorting him and ensure that he is not unnecessarily handcuffed. The order further said that he must be accompanied by sufficient security personnel while taking him to the hospital and court.

“Admittedly, the accused is of advance stage of 74 years of age and suffering........

© The Wire