The Supreme Court has taken up a plea by Tasleem Ahmed, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy case,” challenging the rejection of his bail under the UAPA. Ahmed, arrested in June 2020 in connection with the North-East Delhi violence during CAA protests, has been in judicial custody. He faces charges under various laws, including the UAPA, for his alleged involvement in inciting riots in different areas.
Ahmed’s plea, contesting his prolonged custody without trial commencement, was dismissed by the Delhi High Court, emphasizing that delay alone cannot warrant bail under the UAPA. The court highlighted that the gravity of the offense and the accused’s role must be considered. The High Court also noted that the delay in trial proceedings was partly due to the accused’s counsels not being prepared for arguments despite day-to-day hearing directions.
Recently, the Supreme Court denied bail to co-accused Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, citing substantial prosecution evidence supporting the accusations under the UAPA. However, bail was granted to five other accused while Imam and Khalid were not given relief. The Delhi Police has alleged a premeditated conspiracy by student activists and others to foment violence during the 2020 riots, coinciding with then US President Donald Trump’s visit to attract global attention.
