Crucial Supreme Court Hearings Set for 2020 Delhi Riots Accused: Khalid, Imam, and Fatima's Bail Pleas Under Scrutiny

In a significant legal development that gripped national attention, the Supreme Court of India was poised to deliberate on the bail applications of prominent figures accused in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots: Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and Gulfisha Fatima. The apex court had scheduled separate hearings for these high-profile cases, underscoring the gravity and complexity surrounding the alleged 'larger conspiracy' that fueled the communal violence.

Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both academics and activists, were slated for their bail plea hearing on September 12.

Their cases, filed under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), have been a focal point of debate concerning free speech, dissent, and national security. Both have been in judicial custody since 2020, facing charges that include conspiracy, sedition, and promoting enmity between groups.

The Supreme Court's decision to take up their petitions marked a critical juncture, following earlier rejections of their bail by lower courts and the Delhi High Court.

The following day, September 13, the Supreme Court was to hear the bail petition of Gulfisha Fatima, a student activist also implicated in the 2020 riots case.

Like Khalid and Imam, Fatima has been held under UAPA provisions, with allegations pointing to her involvement in organizing and inciting the violence. Her continued incarceration, along with that of other accused, has drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations and legal experts.

These hearings represented a pivotal moment for the accused, offering a potential pathway to freedom after years in detention.

For the legal fraternity and observers, the proceedings were expected to provide crucial insights into the interpretation and application of UAPA, particularly in cases involving protests and alleged conspiracy. The Delhi High Court had previously denied bail to these individuals, asserting that the allegations against them, prima facie, were true and that their actions were part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the city.

The 2020 Delhi riots, which erupted in February of that year, claimed over 50 lives and caused extensive damage, leaving a lasting scar on the national capital.

The subsequent police investigation led to numerous arrests, with the 'larger conspiracy' angle becoming a central narrative. The Supreme Court's engagement with these bail pleas was anticipated to have far-reaching implications, not just for the individuals involved, but for the broader discourse on dissent, law enforcement, and justice in India.