New Delhi, March 12 -- The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a petition challenging a provision of the Delhi Prison Rules that restricts calling and "e-mulaqat" facilities for individuals accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The petitioner, Basit Kalam Siddiqui, arrested for his alleged involvement in an ISIS conspiracy to radicalize and recruit youth for violent jihad, has contested the constitutional validity of Rule 631 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018. He also challenges related circulars dated September 2, 2022, December 26, 2022, and April 22, 2024, which collectively regulate phone call and e-mulaqat access for certain categories of prisoners. ...