The Supreme Court has set aside the bail granted to two accused in connection with the Haldwani riots case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), holding that the High Court committed a serious error in both facts and law while granting relief.

The case arises out of violence in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani, where the accused were charged under stringent anti-terror provisions. The Uttarakhand High Court had earlier granted them default bail on the ground that the investigation was not completed within the prescribed statutory period.

However, the Supreme Court disagreed with this reasoning and observed that the High Court failed to properly appreciate the material on record and the legal framework governing UAPA cases. It emphasised that granting bail in such cases requires a stricter standard of scrutiny, especially where allegations relate to serious threats to public order and national security.

By overturning the High Court’s order, the apex court restored the custody of the accused and reinforced the principle that procedural lapses cannot automatically entitle an accused to bail in cases involving grave offences under UAPA.

The ruling aligns with the Supreme Court’s consistent approach of adopting a cautious stance in bail matters under anti-terror laws, where courts must carefully balance individual liberty against broader concerns of security and public interest.