In a significant development, former JNU student leader Umar Khalid, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, was granted interim bail by Delhi’s Karkardooma Court on Wednesday, December 18. The court approved his request for interim bail from December 28 to January 3, allowing him to attend his cousin’s wedding. Khalid had initially sought 10 days’ interim bail for the occasion.
Khalid has been in jail for over four years, having been arrested on September 13, 2020, in connection with the riots that claimed 53 lives and injured over 700 people. The case has seen multiple delays in hearings, prompting Khalid to file earlier bail pleas citing prolonged incarceration and judicial delays.
During a hearing on December 7 at the Delhi High Court, Khalid’s lawyer, Trideep Pais, argued that there were no allegations of direct involvement in violence or fundraising against him. The defense highlighted that the only action attributed to Khalid was a speech in Amravati, Maharashtra, which did not incite violence. The lawyer emphasized that the prosecution lacked substantial evidence connecting Khalid to the riots.
Khalid faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the 1967 Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He is accused of conspiracy and incitement during the 2020 Delhi riots, which erupted in the wake of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Despite his legal team’s efforts, Khalid’s prior applications for regular bail have been denied, including by the Supreme Court, which advised him to approach the lower court.
Meanwhile, another high-profile accused in the Delhi riots case, Sharjeel Imam, continues to be denied bail. Imam’s plea remains pending in the High Court, delaying any hearing in the Supreme Court regarding his release.
The interim relief for Khalid marks a temporary reprieve amid a protracted legal battle. His case continues to be a focal point in discussions about judicial delays and the application of stringent laws like the UAPA.
