Supreme Court Denies Bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in Delhi Riots Case

The Supreme Court of India has rejected the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. While the court granted bail to five other accused, it made it clear that Khalid and Imam cannot be released at this stage.

The apex court emphasized that each accused must be considered individually, and their bail applications examined on their own merits. “The cases of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam cannot be equated with those of the other accused,” the court stated. “An attempt has been made to avoid a collective approach, and we are satisfied that prima facie, allegations against them are substantial. Legal conditions for appellants apply, and granting bail at this stage is not justified.”

Bail was granted to other accused in the case — Gulfisha Fatima, Miran Haider, Shifa ur Rahman, Mohammad Salim Khan, and Shadab Ahmad.

Accused in the Delhi Riots Case

The seven accused, including Khalid and Imam, face allegations of masterminding the February 2020 Delhi riots, which erupted amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens. The violence left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured. Charges include violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) among other provisions.

Police Argument Against Bail

Delhi Police had opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the violence was not spontaneous but part of a carefully planned and premeditated conspiracy. In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the police claimed that the riots were a planned operation aimed at destabilizing India and tarnishing its image internationally.

Recently, New York Mayor Joharan Mamdani had written a letter supporting Umar Khalid, highlighting international attention on the case. Despite this, the Supreme Court maintained that the seriousness of allegations against Khalid and Imam warranted continued judicial custody.