Supreme Court urges government to create special courts to speed up complex terrorism cases, citing Md Heydaitullah's ISIS-linked trial.

The Supreme Court on January 21, 2026, urged the government to establish special trial courts to expedite justice, particularly in complex cases like a 2021 NIA investigation into alleged ISIS links involving Md Heydaitullah. The court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, emphasized that faster trials would reduce the need for repeated appeals to the apex court over bail or trial delays. Heydaitullah, an IT professional, faces charges of using Telegram to promote ISIS ideology, recruit followers, and support terrorism financially, with evidence including an oath of allegiance to ISIS leaders and bomb-making materials. The Delhi High Court denied his bail, ruling his actions constituted active advocacy for violent jihad under the UAPA. The government was directed to report progress on setting up a special Delhi court by February 10, with the matter to be reconsidered then.