Delhi High Court Upholds Extended UAPA Probe Against Six Ukrainian Nationals

Extension from 90 to 180 days sustained

The Delhi High Court has rejected a challenge by six Ukrainian nationals to the special court’s order extending the National Investigation Agency’s investigation period from 90 to 180 days. The accused remain in judicial custody in a case alleging unlawful travel to Myanmar for training armed groups in drone warfare and weapons handling.

The NIA sought additional time under Section 43D(2)(b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on the basis of a report by the special public prosecutor.

Effect on default bail

The petitioners argued that a 90-day extension granted before expiry of the initial period impaired their statutory right to seek default bail. The High Court left the extension in place. An earlier Division Bench had treated such an order as interlocutory for purposes of appeal under the NIA Act, while recognising that judicial review could still be invoked before the appropriate roster Bench. The decision concerns investigative time and custody, not the final merits of the allegations.