What Are Iltija Mufti's Concerns Over the Delhi Court's 13-Day Bail for Umar Khalid?
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Synopsis
Iltija Mufti, PDP leader and daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, raises critical concerns about the Delhi court's decision to allow Umar Khalid only 13 days of interim bail to attend his sister's wedding. Is this a fair portrayal of justice? The implications of this ruling resonate deeply within the political spectrum of India.
Key Takeaways
- Iltija Mufti expresses strong reservations about the Delhi court's decision.
- Umar Khalid has been jailed for over five years without conviction.
- The court granted just 13 days of bail for a family wedding.
- Conditions of bail include restrictions on social media use.
- The implications of this case resonate within the political landscape of India.
Srinagar, Dec 11 (NationPress) Iltija Mufti, a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and daughter of the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, voiced her concerns regarding the ruling of a Delhi court that granted a mere 13 days of interim bail to student activist Umar Khalid to attend his sister's wedding.
On Thursday, the Delhi court sanctioned 13 days of interim bail to Umar Khalid, allowing him to be released from December 16 to 29 for this family occasion.
In her remarks, Mufti articulated her discontent on her official X account, stating, "Umar Khalid has been incarcerated for over five years without a conviction under the UAPA, and he is granted bail for THIRTEEN days solely to attend his sister's wedding. Is this truly justice? Grateful to the esteemed judges, or does the truth veiled in sarcasm amount to contempt of court?"
Umar Khalid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), with the Delhi Police accusing him of delivering "provocative speeches" during the visit of then US President Donald Trump to India.
The police allege that Khalid's speeches were instrumental in instigating the 2020 Delhi riots.
Additional Sessions Court Judge Sameer Bajpai confirmed that Khalid would remain free on bail from December 16 to 29.
"Given that this is the marriage of the applicant's biological sister, the application is granted, allowing interim bail from December 16 to 29 upon the provision of a personal bond of Rs 20,000 and two sureties of the same amount, subject to several conditions," the court stated.
Khalid has been instructed not to engage with social media and to limit his interactions to family, relatives, and friends only.
"Moreover, he must remain at home or at the venues of the ceremonies as indicated by him," the court added.
Khalid had requested bail from December 14 to December 29, with his sister's wedding planned for December 27.
Arrested in September 2020, Khalid has been charged with various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, rioting, and unlawful assembly under the UAPA.
Previously, he was granted a seven-day bail in December 2024 to attend a cousin's wedding.
Importantly, the Supreme Court had on December 10 reserved its judgment on Khalid's regular bail plea and that of five other co-accused.
Senior Advocate Trideep Pais, along with Advocate Sanya Kumar, represented Umar Khalid, while Special Public Prosecutors Amit Prasad, Madhukar Pandey, and Anirudh Mishra defended the Delhi Police.
Before his arrest, Khalid was a research scholar at JNU and an active student leader.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the complexities surrounding this case involving Umar Khalid. While legal matters must be handled with due diligence, the broader implications on justice and political influence cannot be overlooked. The sentiments expressed by Iltija Mufti reflect concerns shared by many regarding the fairness of judicial processes in politically sensitive cases.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Umar Khalid arrested?
Umar Khalid was arrested under the UAPA by the Delhi Police for allegedly making provocative speeches that instigated the 2020 Delhi riots.
What does interim bail mean?
Interim bail is a temporary release granted by the court to allow a defendant to be free until a final decision is made on their bail application.
What are the conditions of Khalid's bail?
Khalid is required to refrain from using social media and can only meet family, relatives, and friends. He must also stay at home or at wedding venues.
What is the significance of Iltija Mufti's statement?
Iltija Mufti's statement highlights concerns about justice and the legal system, especially in politically charged cases like Khalid's.
What are the implications of this ruling?
The ruling raises questions about judicial fairness and the treatment of political activists under the law.
