New Delhi, Dec 8: The Supreme Court of India on Monday granted interim bail to Sabzar Ahmad Sofi, who had approached the apex court challenging a July 2025 judgment of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in a criminal appeal dating back to 2006. The case, listed as Special Leave Petition (Criminal) Diary No. 48123/2025, was heard by a bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
During the proceedings, senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the petitioner, argued that Sofi had already undergone a significant portion of the original sentence awarded in the case. According to the submission before the bench, Sofi has served nearly three years and four months out of the total five-year sentence.
Taking note of the period already spent in custody, the Supreme Court ordered the release of the petitioner on interim bail, directing that the trial court concerned will determine the specific terms and conditions for his release. The apex court clarified that the interim relief is being granted considering the circumstances presented, particularly the duration of imprisonment already undergone.
The case originates from Criminal Appeal (CRAA No. 12/2006), with interlocutory applications dating back to 2010. The High Court judgment challenged in the SLP was delivered on 30 July 2025. Sofi subsequently approached the Supreme Court seeking relief from what he contended was an unjust and prolonged legal process.
The bench also issued a formal notice to the respondents, seeking their response on the petitioner’s appeal against the High Court order. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is represented in the matter as the respondent party, though no detailed submission from the state was placed before the court during today’s hearing.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the case for its next hearing on February 17, 2026, when it is expected to take up the matter for further consideration. The future proceedings may determine whether the interim bail is to be extended, modified or set aside based on the arguments of both sides.
The order was recorded by court officials Geeta Ahuja (AR-cum-PS) and Anjali Panwar (Assistant Registrar), marking the formal conclusion of today’s hearing.
