The Supreme Court has rejected student activist Umar Khalid’s review petition challenging the denial of bail in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Justices Aravind Kumar and N. V. Anjaria dismissed the plea, citing no valid grounds for review. The court also turned down the request for an oral hearing of the review petition.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Khalid, had urged for an open court hearing of the review petition, which was declined by the Justice Kumar-led Bench. Review petitions are typically decided in chambers based on limited grounds.
In January, the Supreme Court had refused bail to Khalid and co-accused Sharjeel Imam in the alleged conspiracy case related to the Delhi riots. While bail was granted to five other accused, including Gulfisha Fatima and Shadab Ahmed, Khalid’s bail plea was rejected. The court noted the prosecution material indicated Khalid’s involvement in planning and strategic directions.
The apex court emphasized that its decision on bail did not impact the trial proceedings. It highlighted the need for a nexus between the accused and the unlawful design in conspiracy cases. The observations made were specific to the bail aspect and would not influence the trial process.
