New Delhi, September 2, 2025/ In a major setback for the accused in the Delhi riots conspiracy case of 2020, the Delhi High Court today rejected the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
A division bench of Justice Naveen Chawla and Justice Shalinder Kaur had reserved its order on July 9 after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense. Delivering its verdict today, the court observed that considering the seriousness of the charges and the evidence presented by the prosecution, bail cannot be granted at this stage.
Background of the Case
In February 2020, large-scale riots broke out in Northeast Delhi during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
The violence claimed the lives of over 50 people and left hundreds injured.
According to Delhi Police, the riots were not a spontaneous outbreak but a “pre-planned conspiracy.”
Activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and several others were booked under stringent provisions including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Arguments in Court
Prosecution:
The prosecution alleged that the accused played an active role in planning and executing the riots.
They pointed to speeches, call detail records, and other materials as indicative of their involvement in the conspiracy.
Granting bail, they argued, could adversely affect the trial and ongoing investigation.
Defense:
Lawyers for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam contended that their clients are innocent and have been falsely implicated for political reasons.
They argued that delivering speeches or participating in protests does not amount to conspiracy.
Stressing that the accused have already spent a long time in jail, the defense sought bail on humanitarian grounds.
Court’s Decision
After examining the arguments, the High Court ruled that the allegations are extremely serious and, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to grant bail. The court clarified that the evidence would be thoroughly scrutinized during the course of the trial.
What Lies Ahead
With the bail plea rejected, both Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam will remain in jail. They now have the option of approaching the Supreme Court of India to challenge the High Court’s order.
