In a significant development, the Karkardooma Court in Delhi has once again denied bail to former Jawaharlal Nehru University scholar and activist Umar Khalid. The case, revolving around the 2020 Delhi riots, alleges a premeditated conspiracy involving Khalid and several associates from various organizations.
According to a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Crime Branch on March 6, 2020, the riots were purportedly orchestrated to coincide with the visit of then US President Donald Trump. Khalid is accused of delivering provocative speeches at multiple locations, urging people to take to the streets to highlight alleged discrimination against minorities in India on an international stage.
This recent bail application follows a series of legal setbacks for Khalid. The Delhi High Court had previously denied his bail in October 2022, citing the allegations against him as “prima facie true” and invoking Section 43-D(5) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which imposes stringent conditions on the granting of bail.
Khalid had initially sought relief from the Supreme Court, aiming to overturn the High Court’s decision. However, he later withdrew this plea, opting instead to file a fresh application in the lower court. Despite these efforts, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai ruled against granting bail, maintaining the position held by the High Court.
As this legal battle continues, the case remains a focal point of intense scrutiny and debate, reflecting broader concerns about civil liberties and state actions in India.
