The Delhi High Court has upheld the bail granted to former Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan in a case related to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. The court dismissed an appeal by the Delhi Police seeking the cancellation of bail, citing that more than four years have passed since Jahan was granted relief, with no breach of imposed conditions reported. The court clarified that it did not express any opinion on the case’s merits.
Jahan was arrested in February 2020 in connection with a larger conspiracy case linked to the riots, involving charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. She was granted regular bail by a Karkardooma court on March 14, 2022. The Delhi Police’s appeal argued that the trial court had overlooked crucial evidence and erred in granting bail despite allegations of a pre-planned conspiracy to incite violence during the then US President’s visit to India.
Despite the police’s contentions, the Delhi High Court upheld the bail order, citing the absence of evidence showing a breach of bail conditions over the past four years. In January 2024, a trial court framed charges against Jahan and others for offences like rioting, unlawful assembly, and attempt to murder, finding prima facie grounds for trial. Additionally, in April 2024, a local court modified Jahan’s bail conditions, allowing her to practice law beyond the National Capital Region, noting her compliance with bail conditions since release.
