The Delhi High Court has denied the third bail application of student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in relation to the February 2020 riots in north-east Delhi. This case is tied to a larger conspiracy allegedly linked to the unrest, and the accusations fall under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Dinesh Bhatt.

In their judgment, the Court cited the need to adhere to the Supreme Court’s instruction from January 5. This ruling stipulates that Khalid and Imam may request bail only after the testimony of protected witnesses is complete or after a year has passed since the Supreme Court order—whichever occurs first.

The justices emphasised the principle of judicial discipline and reiterated that they were unable to alter the conditions placed upon the two accused individuals. This denial is particularly impactful considering the severe nature of the charges brought against Khalid and Imam.

Allegations of Conspiracy

Both Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam are accused of being key figures in orchestrating the riots that resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals and injuries to over 700 others. The unrest coincided with widespread protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). These developments have drawn significant public and media attention.

The investigation into the riots remains ongoing, with the Delhi Police’s Special Cell leading the probe. Other individuals, including activist Khalid Saifi and former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, are also implicated in this alleged conspiracy. The case portrays a complex network of alleged coordination among various actors during a politically charged period.

Khalid and Imam initially sought relief from the trial court, which repeatedly dismissed their bail requests. Their applications were turned down for the third time on July 4. Following this, the activists escalated their plea to the Delhi High Court in hopes of securing their release.

Background and Arrests

Umar Khalid was taken into custody on September 13, 2020, while Sharjeel Imam was arrested approximately three weeks earlier on August 25, 2020. Both activists have since been facing serious accusations and have endured prolonged detention awaiting trial.

The Delhi Police has been vocal in its opposition to granting bail to the duo, alleging that they played pivotal roles in instigating the violence. This claim underscores the police’s assertion that the riots represent not only a breakdown of law and order but also a larger scheme of unrest tied to national politics.

As the situation unfolds, developments in this case continue to attract attention from various stakeholders, including political observers and human rights activists. The ongoing judicial process and the implications of the High Court’s ruling will likely shape public discourse surrounding the case and its broader socio-political context.

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