Will the Supreme Court Hear Delhi Police's Arguments on the Delhi Riots 'Larger Conspiracy' Case Tomorrow?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court to hear bail pleas of student leaders.
- Activists remain detained under UAPA.
- Delhi Police alleges premeditated conspiracy.
- Claims aimed for international media attention.
- Previous bail pleas were denied by the Delhi High Court.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is set to continue hearing on Tuesday the bail applications of student leaders Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and several other activists implicated in the alleged "larger conspiracy" surrounding the 2020 North East Delhi riots.
They remain incarcerated under the strict Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to the cause list released on the apex court's website, a Bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria will deliberate on the arguments of the law officers representing the Delhi Police on November 18.
In opposition to the bail requests from Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, the Delhi Police filed a comprehensive counter-affidavit with the Supreme Court, asserting that both student activists had premeditated and systematically orchestrated the conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots.
The affidavit detailed various chats, witness testimonies, and call records that tied their actions from December 2019 onwards, depicting Umar Khalid as a "key conspirator" and a "mentor" to others, including Sharjeel Imam, for mobilizing students, establishing protest networks, and choosing demonstration locations that allegedly escalated into violence.
The Delhi Police contended that the conspiracy was deliberately planned to coincide with the official visit of US President Donald Trump to India.
"This was orchestrated to attract the attention of the 'international media' and to elevate the CAA issue to a global concern by portraying it as a pogrom against the Muslim community in India. The CAA was strategically selected to act as a 'radicalizing catalyst' disguised as a 'peaceful protest'," the affidavit stated.
It identified Sharjeel Imam as a "top conspirator under the guidance of Umar Khalid", alleging that he masterminded the initial phase of the Delhi riots between December 13 and December 20, 2019.
Previously, the Delhi High Court had rejected the bail requests from Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and several other individuals charged in the 2020 city riots "larger conspiracy" case.