Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Activists in 2020 Riots Case
The Delhi High Court has denied bail to activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and eight others accused in the "larger conspiracy" case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The accused, who have been jailed for over five years under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), had sought bail citing trial delays and seeking parity with other co-accused who were previously granted relief. The court's decision is a significant legal development in the high-profile and long-running case.
Unpacked:
The UAPA is an Indian anti-terror law that allows authorities to detain individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist or unlawful activities for extended periods, often with limited access to bail. Its stringent provisions include broad definitions of 'unlawful activity,' lengthy pre-trial detention, and limited judicial oversight, making it controversial among human rights advocates.
The 2020 Delhi riots followed nationwide protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Authorities allege that activists planned protests as part of a 'larger conspiracy' to incite violence, citing WhatsApp chats, protest site organization, and witness statements as evidence. Critics argue the protests were rights-based and not violent by design.
The accused argued for bail based on trial delays, long incarceration, inconsistencies in witness statements, lack of weapon recovery, and parity with co-accused who received bail. The court rejected their pleas, citing the seriousness of charges under the UAPA and the alleged role in a deep-rooted conspiracy related to the riots.
Prolonged detention has resulted in the accused spending over five years in jail without conviction, raising concerns about procedural lapses, indefinite pre-trial incarceration, and potential misuse of anti-terror laws to suppress dissent. Rights groups and inquiry committees have criticized these practices as undermining civil liberties and judicial fairness.