Did the Supreme Court issue notices on bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam & others in the 'larger conspiracy case'?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has taken a significant step by issuing notices on the bail applications of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Meeran Haider, and Gulfisha Fatima, all linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. This case raises critical questions about justice and civil liberties amid ongoing legal battles.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court issues notices on bail pleas.
- Activists have been in custody for over five years.
- Hearing scheduled for October 7.
- Previous bail requests were denied by the Delhi High Court.
- Case linked to the February 2020 Delhi riots.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices regarding the bail requests of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Meeran Haider, and Gulfisha Fatima -- all implicated in the 2020 Delhi riots' larger conspiracy case and charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A panel comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria has requested a response from the Delhi Police and scheduled the case for a hearing on October 7.
Senior attorney Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is representing the petitioners, indicated that the student activists have been imprisoned for the past five years. He also mentioned that an application for interim bail has been submitted on behalf of the petitioners.
In response, Justice Aravind Kumar commented that the apex court intends to swiftly address the main issue.
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal requested an expedited hearing date, saying: "(List) before Diwali, so they can celebrate the festival outside. They have been incarcerated for over five years."
Previously, the Delhi High Court had denied bail to several activists and student leaders related to the alleged broader conspiracy linked to the Delhi riots.
In an order issued on September 2, a panel of Justices Shalinder Kaur and Navin Chawla remarked that there was sufficient evidence to suggest that Imam and Khalid orchestrated the conspiracy.
They noted that Khalid and Imam delivered incendiary speeches on February 24, 2020, coinciding with the visit of former US President Donald Trump, which the prosecution claimed was strategically timed to incite riots on February 23-24 and attract global attention.
"The purported inflammatory and provocative speeches made by the appellants, when viewed cohesively, indicate their involvement in the alleged conspiracy," stated the Delhi High Court.
Regarding Haider, it was noted that she allegedly financed the Alumni Association of Jamia Millia Islamia (AAJMI), where meetings of the JMI Coordination Committee (JCC) occurred.
The panel led by Justice Shalinder Kaur further stated that the prosecution's argument indicated that the completion of the investigation against Haider did not constitute a significant change in circumstances to warrant bail, citing ongoing witness examinations and the serious nature of the alleged conspiracy.
The prosecution claims that Fatima used coded language to instruct protesters on actions in support of the alleged conspiracy and received funds for these activities.
The February 2020 Delhi riots, which erupted amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), resulted in 53 fatalities and over 700 injuries.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of due process in the legal proceedings surrounding the bail pleas of these activists. The judicial system must balance the need for justice with the fundamental rights of the accused, ensuring that every individual receives a fair trial, regardless of public sentiment.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the bail pleas?
The Supreme Court has issued notices on the bail pleas and scheduled a hearing for October 7.
Why were these activists arrested?
They are accused of being involved in the larger conspiracy related to the 2020 Delhi riots and have been charged under the UAPA.
What were the Delhi riots about?
The riots erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
How serious are the charges against them?
The charges are severe, involving allegations of orchestrating a conspiracy that resulted in violence, fatalities, and injuries.
What is the significance of the Supreme Court's involvement?
The Supreme Court's involvement highlights the judicial system's role in addressing civil liberties and ensuring a fair legal process.
