Supreme Court Seeks Delhi Police Response on Bail Pleas in 2020 Riots Case
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police regarding the bail petitions of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and three others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The petitioners, who have been incarcerated for over five years under the stringent UAPA law, challenged a Delhi High Court order that had denied them bail. The apex court has listed the matter for its next hearing on October 7, marking a key development in the high-profile case.
Unpacked:
The 2020 Delhi riots erupted in February during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), laws seen as discriminatory by many. Clashes between supporters and opponents of the CAA escalated into communal violence, resulting in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries.
They face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code sections, including conspiracy, sedition, promoting enmity, murder, attempted murder, and organizing riots. Authorities allege they were 'masterminds' of the riots and orchestrated violence for political motives.
The Delhi High Court found the allegations prima facie true and noted that bail under UAPA has a high threshold—unless accusations are wholly improbable, bail is not granted. The court considered the protests a threat to law and order and state sovereignty.
Critics argue that UAPA’s stringent provisions allow prolonged detention without trial, which undermines civil liberties and due process. Many see its use against student activists and protestors as politically motivated, raising concerns about free speech and dissent in India.