Supreme Court rebukes Delhi Police for delay in riots conspiracy bail case

The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over the Delhi Police's failure to file a response to bail pleas from activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The accused have been jailed for over five years under the UAPA. The bench rejected a request for a two-week extension, questioning the need for a counter-affidavit in a bail matter after significant time has passed. It urged the police to consider granting bail and scheduled the next hearing for Friday.