Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Supreme Court Hears Bail Arguments in 2020 Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case
People accused of planning riots in Delhi a few years ago are asking the Supreme Court to let them out of jail while they wait for their trial.
Their lawyers have finished explaining why they believe their clients should get bail.
They say that it is not a crime to organize or join peaceful protests, and that their clients did not cause any violence.
Some lawyers also mentioned that their clients weren't even in Delhi when the riots happened or that they publicly disagreed with others involved.
The police, however, believe these people were part of a big plan to cause the riots and have charged them with serious crimes.
The Supreme Court will now listen to the police's side of the story before making a decision.
Accused in the 2020 Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have concluded their arguments in the Supreme Court for bail.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria, heard the bail petitions against a Delhi High Court order that denied them bail.
The accused argue that organizing and participating in protests is not a criminal offense and that they did not incite violence.
The Delhi Police, who oppose the bail pleas, will commence their submissions on November 11.
The 2020 riots, which claimed 53 lives and injured hundreds, are alleged by the police to be part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the accused.
- Who
- Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Shadab Ahmed, and other accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case; Delhi Police; Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria.
- What
- The Supreme Court heard arguments from accused individuals challenging the Delhi High Court's denial of their bail pleas in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots.
- When
- Arguments by the accused concluded on November 10. Delhi Police submissions are scheduled for November 11. The accused have been in jail since 2020.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- The accused are seeking bail, arguing that organizing and participating in protests is not a criminal offense and they did not incite violence. They are appealing the Delhi High Court's decision to deny them bail.
Accused
Delhi Police
Nature of Protests and Violence
Accused
The accused argue that organizing and participating in protests is not a criminal offense. They contend that they did not incite violence and that their actions were within the bounds of peaceful protest, protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
Delhi Police
The Delhi Police allege that the riots were part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the accused, involving criminal acts disguised as demonstrations. They argue that the right to protest is not absolute and can be restricted if it harms law and order.
Evidence and Conspiracy Allegations
Accused
Defense counsels argue there is no evidence directly linking the accused to violent acts. Some accused individuals have denied conspiracy charges, with lawyers stating they publicly objected to others' presence at protest sites or that they were not in Delhi during the riots. They also question the evidence from protected witnesses.
Delhi Police
The Delhi Police oppose bail, alleging a 'larger conspiracy' behind the riots and have filed charges under the IPC and UAPA, citing evidence such as protected witness testimonies.
Grounds for Bail Rejection
Accused
The accused are seeking bail, stating they have been in jail since 2020 and are not involved in criminal offenses. They argue their pleas were wrongly rejected by the Delhi High Court.
Delhi Police
The Delhi High Court denied bail, stating that 'conspiratorial' violence under the guise of demonstrations cannot be permitted, and that unfettered exercise of the right to protest could damage the constitutional framework and law and order.
- Case
- Bail petitions in the larger conspiracy case of the 2020 North-East Delhi riots
- Accused
- Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Athar Khan, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Shadab Ahmed, Tasleem Ahmed
- Event
- February 2020 North-East Delhi riots during protests against CAA and NRC
- Alleged Offenses
- Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
- Court Hearing
- Supreme Court of India
- Judges
- Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria
- Next Hearing
- November 11 (for Delhi Police submissions)
- Previous Bail Decisions
- Bail rejected by Delhi High Court for nine accused; bail rejected by a different High Court bench for Tasleem Ahmed.
Sources
Supreme Court to hear Umar Khalid, others' bail pleas on November 10 - Telegraph India
Organising Protests Not a Crime, UAPA Accused Tells Supreme Court
Organising, participating in protests not criminal offence: Delhi riots accused to SC
Organising, Joining Protests Not Crime: Delhi Riots Accused Tells SC
Delhi riots case: Accused Umar Khalid, others conclude arguments; Delhi Police to begin submissions on November 11
