Arbitrary Detention and Health Crisis
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership between the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has issued an urgent appeal regarding the condition of Vishal Singh, an Indian documentary filmmaker and human rights defender. Mr. Singh has been held in arbitrary detention since 29 June 2025, following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi. His health has suffered a severe decline during his incarceration, necessitating dialysis three times a week alongside treatment for migraines, vomiting, extreme weakness, impaired vision, and mobility issues.
Medical Neglect and Judicial Harassment
Mr. Singh’s medical needs have been complicated by administrative delays. After being admitted to Balrampur Hospital in Lucknow on 14 August 2026, he was transferred to King George Medical University (KGMU) Hospital but discharged on 5 September 2026 before returning to Lucknow District Jail. On 4 October 2026, he experienced breathing difficulties and was briefly taken to the KGMU Trauma Centre before being returned to custody. The Observatory notes that prison authorities delayed his hospital transfer for approximately 15 days after a court order on 30 July 2026, exacerbating his condition.
The Lucknow Conspiracy Case
The legal proceedings against Mr. Singh stem from the “Lucknow Conspiracy Case” (RC-01/2023/NIA/Lucknow), initiated by the NIA in September 2023. He faces charges under Section 121A of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 18, 20, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The NIA alleges that Mr. Singh participated in efforts to revive activities of the banned Communist Party of India Maoist (CPI Maoist), including supplying drones and training cadres. A chargesheet was filed on 29 November 2025, with hearings regularly postponed since December 2025. The next evidence hearing is scheduled for 13 October 2026.
International Law Violations
The Observatory emphasizes that persons deprived of liberty must be treated with humanity and respect for their inherent dignity, as per Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which India is a state party. The continued arbitrary detention of Mr. Singh hinders his access to specialized medical care. The Observatory calls on Indian authorities to guarantee his physical integrity, provide immediate and continuous medical treatment, end judicial harassment, and unconditionally release him pending his next hearing.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
