Umar Khalid’s father reacts to the Supreme Court denying bail in the 2020 Delhi riots case, calling the verdict “very unfortunate” and highlighting the lack of evidence of any anti-national acts by his son.
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NEW DELHI: In the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, the Supreme Court of India has denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Both have been in custody since 2020, and their trial has yet to commence, raising concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention.
Umar Khalid’s father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, expressed deep disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as “very unfortunate.” He emphasized that
“There is no evidence suggesting his son made anti-national statements or participated in any anti-national acts.”
He further highlighted that Khalid was not even present in Delhi when the violence took place. The family now faces another year-long wait before Khalid can reapply for bail, adding to their distress.
Sharjeel Imam’s family also criticized the ruling. His brother, Muzammil Imam, questioned
“Why only Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were denied bail while five other accused in the same case were granted conditional release.”
He described the judgment as deeply disappointing and raised concerns about the perceived inconsistency in handling the accused.
Following the Supreme Court verdict, Umar Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, shared that Khalid responded with resignation when informed of the ruling, saying,
“This is my life now.”
Supreme Court’s Judgment
The apex court clarified that delays in trial proceedings cannot automatically justify bail, emphasizing that statutory safeguards under the law remain paramount. The bench highlighted the importance of protecting constitutional values, including the sovereignty, integrity, and security of the nation, as well as maintaining public order.
While the court granted conditional bail to five other accused, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohammad Salim Khan, and Shadab Ahmad, it cited Khalid and Imam’s positions in the alleged conspiracy as reasons for their continued detention. According to the prosecution’s narrative, they held a higher rank in the alleged hierarchy of the conspiracy.
Background of the Case
Sharjeel Imam was arrested on January 28, 2020, following speeches he delivered during anti-CAA protests. Umar Khalid was later arrested on September 13, 2020. Both were charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which has strict provisions regarding bail and pre-trial detention.
The Supreme Court noted that Khalid can reapply for bail after one year if there is no significant progress in the trial, leaving their families and supporters hoping for a future legal reprieve.
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