Ahead of the Supreme Court’s hearing on the bail pleas of Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid regarding the 2020 Delhi riots case, Janata Dal (United) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad emphasized that the court’s decision must be respected by all parties involved. Issues related to national unity and integrity evoke strong sentiments among the public, and the apex court’s ruling is crucial in this matter.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad stressed the significance of upholding the Constitution, stating that national progress hinges on everyone embracing and working towards strengthening the nation. The Supreme Court is poised to announce its verdict on the bail pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and others challenging the Delhi High Court’s denial of bail. The case involves allegations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and is linked to the purported larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots.
A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria will also rule on the bail pleas of Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed. The court had reserved its judgment on December 10 after hearing detailed arguments from all involved parties. Advocates for the accused highlighted the prolonged trial delay and lack of concrete evidence linking the accused to the alleged violence during the hearings.
The Delhi Police opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the offenses were part of a deliberate attempt to destabilize the state. The prosecution contended that the riots were not spontaneous but part of a premeditated “pan-India” conspiracy aimed at “regime change” and “economic strangulation.”
