The hearing on the bail applications of Delhi riot accused Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider in the Supreme Court has been adjourned. The court stated that the case file had not been read. The next hearing will take place on September 19.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the bail applications of Delhi riot accused Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider on Thursday. However, the judges mentioned that they had not yet read the case file. Consequently, the hearing on this matter has been postponed. The next hearing will now be held on September 19.
Challenging the High Court Order
In fact, the Supreme Court was to hear petitions challenging the order of the Delhi High Court. The Delhi High Court had refused to grant bail to these accused on September 2. The court had stated that their role appeared serious prima facie and that they seemed to be involved in a large-scale conspiracy.
High Court's Decision
On September 2, the Delhi High Court had dismissed the bail petitions of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and seven other accused. These included Mohammed Salim Khan, Shifa ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Shadab Ahmed, Abdul Khalid Saifi, and Gulfisha Fatima. Additionally, the bail petition of another accused, Tasleem Ahmed, was also rejected.
Delhi Police's Opposition
The Delhi Police had opposed the bail applications of all these individuals. The police argued that this case was not one of ordinary violence but a pre-planned and well-orchestrated conspiracy with a dangerous motive. The accused were allegedly involved in inciting people and spreading riots.
Court's Observations
In its order, the Delhi High Court had stated that the roles of Imam and Khalid were considered serious. The court noted that both had delivered inflammatory speeches on a communal basis to mobilize members of the Muslim community. It was after these speeches that riots broke out in North-East Delhi in February 2020.
Umar Khalid's Bail Plea
Former JNU student leader Umar Khalid has been in jail since February 2020. He filed a petition in the Supreme Court arguing that he was implicated under stringent provisions like the UAPA. Khalid sought bail so that he could pursue his legal defense. However, he has not yet received any relief.
Allegations Against Sharjeel Imam
Sharjeel Imam, also a former JNU student, was arrested by the Delhi Police under the UAPA. The police identified him as the main conspirator of the Delhi riots. Imam is accused of delivering inflammatory speeches during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Violence allegedly spread following these speeches.
2020 Delhi Riots
In February 2020, violence erupted in the North-East areas of Delhi during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC. These riots resulted in the deaths of 53 people and injuries to over 700 others. The violence sent shockwaves across the country.
Imprisoned for Five Years
Many accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have been in jail for the past five years. Cases have been registered against them under stringent laws like the UAPA. The High Court denied bail, considering their speeches and activities to be part of a larger conspiracy.
Hopes for the Next Hearing
The Supreme Court is now scheduled to hear the case on September 19. The accused are expected to argue that they are innocent and that the evidence against them is insufficient. The Delhi Police will again present its case, asserting that the accused were involved in a well-planned conspiracy and should not be granted bail.
