The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed an interim bail plea filed by O M A Salam, chairperson of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI). Salam sought bail on humanitarian grounds, citing the deteriorating mental health of his wife following the death of their daughter in April. However, the court, comprising Justices Prathiba Singh and Amit Sharma, observed that his wife’s medical condition did not warrant urgent intervention.The bench acknowledged the importance of mental health but emphasized the need to consider other factors, such as Salam’s influence within the PFI and the potential threat to public safety, particularly in Kerala, where he has a substantial following. The court noted that Salam has managed the PFI for years and holds significant sway within the organization, making his release potentially dangerous.The judges also pointed out that Salam rejected the court’s suggestion for custody parole in Delhi, indicating that his intention might be more than just meeting his wife. “This stand taken by the appellant clearly shows that the intention of the appellant is not to merely meet his wife but to visit the state of Kerala, which in the opinion of the court, is fraught with severe risk,” the court stated.The court also noted that Salam has four children and enough family members to take care of his wife in his absence, further weakening his plea for bail. The decision came after a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court had earlier denied Salam interim bail on May 31, a decision he subsequently appealed.Salam was arrested by the NIA in September 2022 under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Indian government declared the PFI and its affiliate organizations unlawful on September 27, 2022, for a period of five years. The NIA opposed Salam’s bail, arguing that the PFI’s objectives posed a threat to national security and that Salam’s release could endanger public safety.