Defence NOC clears way for Andrabi's sentencing

NEW DELHI: The procedural limbo over who will pronounce the sentence against Kashmiri separatist Aasiya Andrabi and two aides in a 2018 terror conspiracy case narrowed Tuesday after the defence submitted in writing that it had no objection to Karkardooma family court judge Chanderjit Singh proceeding with the order. The court had earlier directed the defence to file a written no-objection. After it was submitted, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) sought time to take instructions. The matter is now listed for Feb 23, when the agency is expected to file its written stand. The case had stalled over whether a 'judgment' refers only to the conviction order or also includes sentencing. Singh had heard the matter as additional sessions judge in the NIA court but was transferred to family court in Nov 2025. Since the case had been reserved for judgment, he pronounced the verdict on Jan 14, convicting the trio. As the case fell within NIA court jurisdiction, judge Prashant Sharma transferred it back to Singh for sentencing.