NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the batch of petitions filed by student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, along with Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, and Mohd. Saleem Khan, challenging the Delhi High Court’s refusal to grant them bail in the alleged “larger conspiracy” case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots.
The “accused”, facing charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), have been in custody for more than five years now.
After hearing both sides, a bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria reserved judgment and directed the petitioners as well as the prosecution to file any additional documents supporting their arguments by December 18.
On September 2, the Delhi High Court had dismissed the bail pleas of Imam, Khalid and several others accused in the 2020 city riots “larger conspiracy” case.
The accused have moved the apex court challenging the Delhi High Court’s 2nd September order denying them bail in the case.
The communal violence struck the northeast part of Delhi in February 2020 during an anti-CAA [Citizenship (Amendment) Act] protest and tore apart the social fabric of the city. As many as 54 people were killed—with over 40 belonging to the minority (Muslim) community. — With inputs from agencies
