NEW DELHI — The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail pleas of nine activists including Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case.
Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Athar Khan, Khalid Saifi, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, and Shadab Ahmed have been languishing in jail since 2020 under the draconian UAPA in connection with the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case.
Pronouncing the decision, a Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur said, “All the appeals are dismissed.” A copy of the detailed judgement is yet to be uploaded on the official website of the Delhi High Court.
In July this year, the Justice Chawla-led Bench reserved its decision after hearing the oral submissions advanced on behalf of the accused individuals and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the Delhi Police.
Following the denial of bail, many political leaders and rights activists took to social media, calling the judgment “unfortunate” and “heartbreaking.”
Delhi HC denies bail to Umar Khalid & 6 others after 5 years of incarceration, where nothing has even moved in the case. Grossest travesty of justice. We have to fight in SC now. @IndiraJaising
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) September 2, 2025
Renowned Journalist, Arfa Khanum Sherwani while posting on her X account wrote that reason for denial of bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Khalid Saifi, Meeran Haider & others is that they all were Muslims.
“Delhi HC verdict in riots case breaks the last thread of faith in fairness in India,” She wrote.
Breaks my heart into a thousand pieces!
— Arfa Khanum Sherwani (@khanumarfa) September 2, 2025
No bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Khalid Saifi, Meeran Haider & others.
Their only crime is that they all were Muslims.
Delhi HC verdict in riots case breaks the last thread of faith in fairness in India. pic.twitter.com/GJU4RC8s4b
Some also expressed their dismay at the ruling, alleging bias in the Indian justice system, particularly against Muslims.
As expected, bail application of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others has been rejected by Delhi High Court.
— هارون خان (@iamharunkhan) September 2, 2025
Justice system when it comes to Muslims is so freaking predictable. https://t.co/SJ1SQyIBcT
Bail request of Umar Khalid & 8 others rejected by Delhi HC.
— Tarun Gautam (@TARUNspeakss) September 2, 2025
He's been in jail without trial for last 5 years.
Ram Rahim gets bail
Asaram gets bail
But a muslim activist doesn't.
Indian judicial system for you. https://t.co/FPtzRQAtZ1
