The Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on Monday regarding the bail requests of seven individuals, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, involved in the alleged “larger conspiracy” related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The bail pleas, filed by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, and Mohd. Saleem Khan, are connected to charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with Saleem Khan having been in custody for over five years.
The Apex Court had previously reserved its judgment on December 10 after hearing a batch of special leave petitions challenging the Delhi High Court’s denial of bail to the accused in the 2020 riots “larger conspiracy” case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi Police, opposed the bail pleas by arguing that the violence was a preplanned assault on the nation’s sovereignty, citing evidence such as speeches and WhatsApp chats.
SG Mehta further contended that the accused were causing delays in the trial proceedings by not cooperating and prolonging the process with lengthy arguments against framing of charges. The Delhi High Court had earlier rejected the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and other accused, stating that a prima facie case under the UAPA existed against them.
