The Supreme Court of India issued notices in the bail applications filed by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider, who are seeking release in connection with the 2020 North East Delhi riots conspiracy case. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria scheduled the matter for hearing on October 7, 2025.
The accused have been in custody since 2020, facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, rioting, and unlawful assembly. The Delhi Police allege that the accused orchestrated a larger conspiracy to incite widespread riots during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), resulting in the deaths of 53 individuals and injuries to hundreds.
Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the accused, urged the Court to expedite the hearing, with Sibal requesting a resolution before Diwali to facilitate their release. Singhvi highlighted the prolonged detention, emphasizing that it is “shocking that a student has to be behind bars for 5 years.” The Supreme Court agreed to list the matter on October 7, 2025.
Umar Khalid’s initial bail plea was denied by the trial court in March 2022, and subsequent appeals to the Delhi High Court were also unsuccessful. In May 2023, the Supreme Court sought the Delhi Police’s response, but the plea was adjourned multiple times. In February 2024, Khalid withdrew his bail plea citing changed circumstances. His second bail application was rejected by the trial court in May 2024, and the Delhi High Court dismissed his appeal on September 2, 2025, prompting the current petition before the Supreme Court.
Sharjeel Imam faces multiple FIRs across various states, primarily under sedition and UAPA charges. He has been granted bail in some cases, including those in Delhi, Aligarh, and Guwahati. However, he remains in custody concerning the Delhi riots conspiracy case.
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