![[BREAKING] Delhi Riots 2020 Conspiracy Case: Delhi High Court Seeks Police Reply to Umar Khalid's Bail Plea](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1666016562_1619124028_khalid.jpg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Delhi High Court today has requested a response from the police concerning Umar Khalid’s bail plea in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Khalid, a former JNU student leader, has faced multiple rejections of his bail appeals. His continued incarceration has sparked controversy and drawn extensive attention.
The recent discussion on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in Delhi raised concerns about its potential misuse if the current Government returns to power. Senior advocates emphasized the perilous state of civil liberties in India and highlighted arbitrary detentions under UAPA. There is an urgent need for judicial independence and adherence to constitutional rights.
The manifestos of the Congress and CPI(M) parties aim to make changes to India’s legal landscape. Both parties have proposed repealing controversial laws such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Additionally, they advocate for bifurcating the Supreme Court, likely to address issues related to the workload and efficiency of the judiciary.
Today, the Delhi High Court addressed Sharjeel Imam’s bail plea in a case involving charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition over his inflammatory speeches. The court has sought a response from the Delhi Police within two weeks and scheduled another hearing for April. Imam’s speeches at Aligarh Muslim University and in Delhi were perceived to instigate opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Despite arguing that he should be granted statutory bail, the trial court refused Imam’s plea, emphasizing the disruptive impact of his speeches on the 2020 riots in the national capital. He faces severe charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the UAPA. The statutory bail in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) allows for a maximum detention of 90 days, which can be extended to 180 days in terror-related cases under the UAPA. If the investigation is not complete at the end of this period, the court can release the person on default bail.