Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Supreme Court Denies Bail to Khalid and Imam
The Supreme Court of India recently decided not to grant bail to two activists, Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are involved in a case related to the 2020 Delhi riots.
The court said that not all accused in the case are equally involved, and some have a higher level of participation.
While five other accused in the same case were granted bail, Khalid and Imam were not, because the court believes they played a more significant role.
The riots happened in February 2020 during protests against a new law called the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Imam was arrested in January 2020 for speeches he made during these protests, and Khalid was arrested in September 2020.
Both have been in jail for a long time, but the court said that the delay in the trial was partly because of the accused themselves.
The court also said that personal liberty is important, but it should not come at the cost of society's security.
The court set conditions for the released activists, including not attending gatherings, surrendering passports, and regular check-ins with the police.
Some people are shocked and disappointed by the decision, but they respect the court's verdict.
Others say that the court's decision is based on the seriousness of the allegations against Khalid and Imam.
The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
The court granted bail to five other accused, citing different levels of involvement.
Imam was arrested on January 28, 2020, for speeches during anti-CAA protests, and Khalid was arrested on September 13, 2020.
The court stated that the delay in the trial was partly due to the accused and not just the prosecution.
The court emphasized that personal liberty is important, but it should not compromise society's security.
- Who
- Activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, along with five other accused
- What
- Denial of bail in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case
- When
- February 24, 2020 (riots), January 28, 2020 (Imam's arrest), September 13, 2020 (Khalid's arrest)
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- Court cited hierarchy of participation and context of involvement in the case
Prosecution
Defense
Role in Conspiracy
Prosecution
Khalid and Imam are 'masterminds' with managerial roles, direct evidence, and ideological leadership.
Defense
Khalid and Imam's roles are overstated; their involvement is not as central as claimed.
Delay in Trial
Prosecution
Delay is partly due to the accused and does not justify bail under UAPA.
Defense
Prolonged detention without trial violates the right to personal liberty.
- Activists Involved
- Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam
- Case Related To
- 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy
- Bail Granted To
- Gulfisha Fatima, Meera Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohammd Saleem Khan, Shadab Ahmed
- Act Arrested Under
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code
- Date of Riots
- February 24, 2020
- Imam's Arrest Date
- January 28, 2020
- Khalid's Arrest Date
- September 13, 2020
- Court's Reason for Denial
- Hierarchy of participation and context of involvement
- Bail Conditions
- Stringent conditions including surrender of passports, personal bonds, and restrictions on travel and communication
Sources
On Denial Of Bail To Umar Khalid, Harish Salve Said "Context" Matters
'Shocked, Had High Hopes': Sharjeel Imam's Uncle On Top Court's Bail Denial
'Act of terror' under UAPA includes planning, coordination: SC
Delhi riots case: Why SC denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam
Why SC denied bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam but awarded it to five other anti-CAA activists
'This is life now': Umar Khalid tells friend over phone after Supreme Court denies bail
No bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam: Supreme Court grants conditional relief to 5 others
Delhi Riots: SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam
The spectacle of justice in the Delhi riots case is cover for polarisation and violence
Relief and some regret: For families of those who get bail in 2020 Delhi riots case, verdict is bittersweet
Daily Briefing: Decoding the SC verdict on Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam bail pleas
Congress silent on apex court’s SC Delhi 2020 riots bail order, Left parties critical
Slogans At JNU Threaten PM After No Bail To Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam
Umar Khalid bail denied: ‘Emotionally drained’ parents recall ‘man who spoke of love’ as ex-JNU scholar stays in jail
Video: 'Kabar Khudegi' Slogans Raised By Left-Wing Students Against PM Modi, Amit Shah On JNU Campus In Support Of Umar Khalid & Sharjeel Imam
Umar Khalid verdict: JNU students slam Modi, Shah
Left-wing student groups raise anti-PM Modi, HM Shah slogans at JNU campus, BJP calls them 'urban Naxals'
JNU students raise controversial slogans against PM Modi, Shah; BJP, Congress react: ‘Desh ke dushman’
‘Modi, Shah…’: Sloganeering at JNU after SC verdict on Umar Khalid, Sharjeel triggers political reactions
Delhi Ministers assure strict action against protesters raising anti-PM Modi, HM Shah slogans in JNU
JNU provocative sloganeering: Chief Security Officer writes to police seeking FIR, says 30-35 students were present
Tukde Gang's Subversive Network Runs Deep, The Cabal Won't Stop Even After SC's Denial Of Bail
UPSC Key: SC expands definition of terror, Samudra Pratap, and Grok use against women
Mehbooba Mufti Slams SC Decision On Bail Denial To Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam
We will crush intentions of Sharjeel Imam’s ‘offspring’ in JNU, says Fadnavis
