New Delhi, 13 July (H.S.):

The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved its verdict on the interim bail plea filed by Al-Falah University founder Javed Ahmad Siddiqui in connection with the Red Fort blast case. Siddiqui has sought interim bail to care for his wife while she undergoes treatment for cancer. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Bench of Justice Saurabh Banerjee reserved its order.

On June 9, the Saket Court had rejected Siddiqui's application for interim bail. He subsequently challenged the order before the Delhi High Court. Siddiqui had sought six weeks' interim bail to look after his wife, who is battling Stage IV cancer.

While rejecting the plea, the Saket Court observed that, according to the medical report placed on record, Siddiqui's wife's condition was stable and she was not in a state where she was unable to manage her routine activities independently. The court further remarked that when parents fall ill, it is generally expected that their adult children will take responsibility for their care.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Javed Ahmad Siddiqui on November 18, 2025. Al-Falah University in Faridabad had come under the scrutiny of investigating agencies following the Red Fort blast. The investigation revealed that three doctors arrested in the case were associated with the university, prompting a broader probe into the institution. The ED arrested Siddiqui on charges related to terror financing and money laundering.

On January 16, the ED filed a chargesheet against Javed Ahmad Siddiqui and the Al-Falah Charitable Trust. The agency initiated its investigation after two FIRs were registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch.

According to the FIRs, Al-Falah University falsely claimed that it had received accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The ED has stated that it has provisionally attached the university's assets under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The blast occurred on November 10, 2025, near the Red Fort in an i10 car registered in the name of Aamir Rashid Ali. The explosion claimed the lives of 13 people and left 32 others injured.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had lodged a complaint against Al-Falah University, following which the Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested Javed Ahmad Siddiqui. Acting on the UGC's complaints, the Crime Branch registered two FIRs against Siddiqui before taking him into custody.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar