Will the Supreme Court Hear Bail Pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam Today?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on the bail applications of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam marks a pivotal moment in the aftermath of the 2020 Delhi riots. As tensions rise and public interest peaks, the implications of the court's decision could reverberate across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court will hear bail pleas related to the 2020 Delhi riots.
- Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam are among those accused under UAPA.
- The Delhi High Court previously denied bail, citing serious charges.
- The riots were triggered by protests against the CAA and NRC.
- The violence resulted in significant loss of life and injuries.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on the bail requests of former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, along with Meeran Haider and Gulfisha Fatima, regarding the conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots on Friday.
The case is scheduled before a bench that includes Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria.
This hearing was originally planned for September 12 but was postponed to Friday after Justice Kumar indicated that he received the case files at 2:30 a.m., which did not provide adequate time for examination. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and C.U. Singh are advocating for the petitioners.
The applicants are facing accusations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) concerning an alleged broader conspiracy behind the communal strife that engulfed North-East Delhi in February 2020.
The Delhi High Court previously denied bail to Imam, Khalid, and seven other individuals, including Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, Athar Khan, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shadab Ahmed, and Khalid Saifi, on September 2. Another accused, Tasleem Ahmed, was also denied bail by a different bench.
The Delhi Police have staunchly opposed the bail requests, asserting that the riots were not spontaneous but rather the outcome of a premeditated and coordinated conspiracy. They claim the accused played significant roles in instigating the violence with a "sinister motive".
While denying bail, the High Court noted that the involvement of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam seemed "serious" at the prima facie stage, referencing speeches allegedly made by them that were deemed communal and aimed at mobilizing large crowds.
The violence in 2020 erupted amidst national protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), leading to 53 fatalities and over 700 injuries. Sharjeel Imam was arrested in 2020 under UAPA and is accused of playing a pivotal role in inciting the unrest.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of the Supreme Court's deliberation on the bail pleas of individuals implicated in the 2020 Delhi riots. This case epitomizes the intersection of justice and political discourse in India. Our reporting remains grounded in factual accuracy and a commitment to impartiality.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam?
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) linked to a conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots.
Why was the bail hearing postponed?
The bail hearing was postponed from September 12 to September 19 after Justice Kumar indicated he received the case files too late for review.
What was the outcome of the previous bail applications?
The Delhi High Court denied bail to Khalid, Imam, and several others on September 2, citing serious implications of their involvement.
What triggered the riots in Delhi in 2020?
The riots erupted amid nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
How many people were affected by the riots?
The violence resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals and left over 700 injured.
