Actor Prakash Raj slams the court’s decision while Umar Khalid’s mother says she still believes in her son’s innocence, vowing to fight on in the Supreme Court
NEW DELHI – The rejection of bail plea of student leaders Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and eight others by Delhi High Court on Monday has triggered widespread disappointment and anger among activists, the families of the accused, and civil rights supporters.
A bench of Justices Naveen Chawla and Shalinder Kaur delivered the verdict against the accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
Actor and activist Prakash Raj condemned the ruling in strong words. Writing on social media, he said: “Pathetic… unjust… compromised… mockery of justice. History will never forgive this. We have to continue our fight against this injustice and stand with Umar Khalid and all political prisoners.”
His remarks reflect growing concern over the prolonged imprisonment of Muslim activists under strict anti-terror laws, which many say are being misused to silence dissent.
Speaking to reporters after the decision, Umar Khalid’s mother expressed both pain and determination. “My son has been in jail for five years, yet I believe he is innocent and will one day be acquitted,” she said. “We will now go to the Supreme Court and expect justice from there.”
Her words reflect the anguish of a Muslim family caught in a legal battle that has already stretched for half a decade.
The case stems from the 2020 Delhi violence, which followed protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Large sections of the Muslim community opposed these laws, saying they were discriminatory and threatened their citizenship rights.
Student leaders, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, were active in organising demonstrations and voicing criticism of the government. During this period, riots broke out in parts of Delhi. The police accused Khalid, Imam, and others of being part of a conspiracy, though their supporters argue that the evidence is weak and politically motivated.
All the accused have remained behind bars since their arrest, with repeated bail pleas rejected under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a law that makes bail extremely difficult.
Local Muslim leaders have criticised the verdict, calling it unfair and discriminatory. “It is painful to see young Muslim voices like Umar Khalid punished for speaking against injustice,” said Mohammad Arif, a community elder in Delhi. “This is not just about one person, it is about the future of Muslim youth in India.”
Rights groups also point out that several cases related to violence by Hindu mobs during the riots have seen little progress, while Muslim activists remain in prison without trial.
Umar Khalid’s family and legal team have confirmed they will challenge the high court’s decision in the Supreme Court. Supporters believe that only the highest court can correct what they call a grave injustice.
The case continues to highlight the deep concerns of the Muslim community which feels its voice is being systematically targeted and silenced.
