Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 11: A Delhi court on Thursday granted interim bail to former JNU scholar and jailed student activist Umar Khalid, allowing him to attend his sister’s wedding, even as the Supreme Court has yet to rule on his regular bail plea in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case.
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Courts permitted Khalid’s temporary release from December 16 to 29, under strict conditions. He is barred from using social media and must limit his interactions to family, relatives, and friends. Khalid is required to furnish a personal bond of Rs 20,000 along with two sureties of the same amount, provide his mobile number to the investigating officer, and surrender to prison authorities on December 29.
Khalid, in jail since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various IPC sections, had earlier received a similar seven-day interim bail in December last year for a family wedding.
He is among several student activists, including Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, and Mohd. Saleem Khan, who have been in custody for over five years in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 North-East Delhi riots.
The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the Delhi High Court’s denial of regular bail to Khalid and others. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the violence was a “well-designed, preplanned” attack, not a spontaneous riot, aimed at drawing international attention during former US President Donald Trump’s visit. The Delhi Police described Khalid as a “key conspirator” and a “mentor” to others involved, citing WhatsApp chats and other evidence suggesting coordinated efforts to disrupt public order and create communal divisions.
The apex court has allowed both sides to submit additional documents by December 18 before delivering its judgment on the bail pleas.