A Delhi court on Tuesday rejected jailed activist Umar Khalid’s application seeking interim bail in the larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. Just yesterday, the Supreme Court had said it was a matter of concern that a two-judge bench had denied bail to Khalid and another accused Sharjeel Imam going against the Court’s ruling in the Najeeb case, and they should have got bail even if accused ubder the UAPA.
Khalid had approached the Karkardooma Court seeking release for 15 days on humanitarian grounds. He submitted that his mother was scheduled to undergo surgery and required his care before and after the procedure. He also sought permission to participate in a funerary ritual for his uncle, who passed away last month.
The Delhi Police opposed the plea, arguing there were no exceptional circumstances to justify interim bail. The prosecution told the Court that Khalid’s mother’s surgery was not an emergency procedure and other family members were available to assist her. It further contended that the deceased uncle was only a distant relative and, therefore, the ground cited for temporary release was not compelling enough.
After hearing the parties, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai agreed with the prosecution’s submissions. The Court observed that Khalid’s father and sisters could adequately take care of his mother during the medical procedure and recovery period.
The judge also accepted the prosecution’s contention regarding Khalid’s relationship with his late uncle. Holding that the reasons cited in the plea were not sufficient to warrant interim relief, the Court dismissed the application.
Khalid was arrested in September 2020 in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy behind the Delhi riots. He is facing trial for offences including criminal conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly, and charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
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