Delhi High Court Rejects Bail for Khalid, Imam in 2020 Riots Conspiracy

In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the February 2020 Delhi riots, the Delhi High Court has once again denied bail to student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The court upheld the earlier decision of the trial court, reaffirming its stance on the gravity of the allegations in the larger conspiracy case that rocked the nation's capital.

Both Khalid and Imam, facing charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), were accused of being key conspirators in orchestrating the widespread violence that erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The riots led to dozens of deaths and extensive damage, leaving a deep scar on the city.

The High Court's ruling meticulously reviewed the evidence presented by the prosecution, which has consistently argued that the protests were part of a premeditated plot to incite violence and disrupt public order.

Prosecutors alleged that Khalid and Imam, through their speeches and coordination, played pivotal roles in escalating peaceful demonstrations into a violent conflagration.

Defense counsels for both individuals vigorously contended that their clients were merely exercising their democratic right to protest and that there was no direct evidence linking them to the actual acts of violence.

They argued that the UAPA charges were an overreach and that their clients had no intention to instigate riots, advocating instead for peaceful resistance to government policies. The defense also highlighted that the accused have been in judicial custody for a considerable period, pressing for their release on humanitarian and legal grounds.

However, the court, in its detailed order, observed that there was sufficient prima facie material to suggest their involvement in the alleged conspiracy.

The bench emphasized the serious nature of the charges under UAPA, which places a high bar for granting bail, especially when the court finds reasonable grounds to believe that the accusation against the person is true. The court's decision reflects a careful consideration of the evidence presented, balancing the rights of the accused with the broader interests of justice and public safety.

This latest denial of bail underscores the complex and protracted nature of the legal proceedings in the Delhi riots conspiracy case.

The ruling means that both Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam will continue to remain in custody as the trial progresses, marking another critical juncture in a case that has drawn significant national attention and sparked debates on civil liberties, dissent, and national security.