**Supreme Court to Rule on Bail for Activists in Delhi Riots Case**
The Supreme Court is poised to announce its decision on Monday regarding bail applications submitted by activist Umar Khalid, scholar Sharjeel Imam, and five others implicated in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) related to the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. This ruling marks a significant moment in a legal struggle that has unfolded over five years, extending beyond the courtroom into political and international discussions.
A bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria, reserved its judgment in December following extensive hearings that involved the Delhi Police and prominent legal representatives for the accused. The bail pleas contest a September 2023 ruling by the Delhi High Court, which denied bail based on the serious nature of the allegations and the purported conspiracy involved.
Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed face charges under the UAPA and sections of the previous Indian Penal Code for allegedly orchestrating the violence that erupted in February 2020 amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens. The riots resulted in 53 fatalities and over 700 injuries, representing one of the most severe instances of communal violence in the capital in recent decades.
**Police Claims of a Conspiracy**
In opposing the bail requests, the Delhi Police have consistently argued that the riots were not spontaneous but rather part of a “well-designed, well-crafted and pre-planned” conspiracy. In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the police characterized the riots as a planned “regime-change operation” intended to destabilize India and tarnish its global reputation.
The prosecution has presented witness testimonies, call records, chat messages, and electronic evidence to support its claim that the accused were involved in a “deep-rooted conspiracy” driven by communal motives. Additionally, the police have accused the defendants of intentionally delaying the trial through “frivolous applications” and “coordinated non-cooperation.”
The police dismissed the defense’s assertion that the trial would be prolonged due to the involvement of nearly 900 witnesses, labeling it a “red herring” designed to secure bail. They contended that only 100 to 150 witnesses were essential and that the trial could progress efficiently if the accused cooperated. Citing the UAPA, the affidavit emphasized that “jail, not bail” is the standard in serious terrorism-related cases.
**Roles of Khalid and Imam in the Alleged Conspiracy**
According to police reports, Umar Khalid is described as the “founder of the idea of Chakka Jam for riots” and played a pivotal role in orchestrating the violence through the Delhi Protest Support Group. He is alleged to have convened secret meetings, including one in Seelampur, where participants were reportedly instructed to mobilize local women and stockpile weapons such as knives, stones, and acid bottles.
Sharjeel Imam is claimed by the police to have operated “under the tutelage of Umar Khalid and other top conspirators” and is identified as a key architect in the initial phase of the alleged conspiracy.
As the Supreme Court prepares to deliver its verdict, the outcome will have significant implications for the accused and the broader discourse surrounding the events of the 2020 Delhi riots.
**FAQ**
**What is the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling on bail for the accused in the Delhi riots case?**
The Supreme Court’s ruling will determine whether the accused activists will be granted bail, impacting their legal status and the ongoing discourse surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots, which have raised critical questions about communal violence and civil rights in India.
