Archive · 12 Dec 2025
SC Reserves Order on 2020 Delhi Riots Bail Pleas
The Supreme Court is deciding whether to grant bail to people accused of planning the 2020 Delhi riots.
The accused, including Umar Khalid, say they didn't do anything wrong and Khalid wasn't even in Delhi when the riots happened.
The police say Khalid planned to leave Delhi before the riots to avoid blame.
The police also say that Khalid and others used special groups to talk to each other and plan the riots.
The court is trying to figure out if their actions were serious enough to be called terrorist acts.
Meanwhile, Umar Khalid was granted two weeks of interim bail to attend his sister's wedding.
He has to follow certain conditions, like not using social media and only meeting family and friends.
The court will make a decision before it closes for winter break on December 19.
The Supreme Court reserved its decision on bail applications by accused in the 2020 Delhi riots larger conspiracy case.
Umar Khalid's defense argues he was not in Delhi during the riots.
The Delhi Police claim Khalid deliberately left Delhi before the riots to deflect responsibility.
The prosecution argues that Khalid and others used communication platforms like WhatsApp and Signal to plan the riots.
The court is considering whether the accused's actions constitute a terrorist act under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- Who
- Accused in the 2020 Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, including Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Athar Khan, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Muhammad Saleem Khan, Shifa-ur-Rehman, and Shadab Ahmed
- What
- Supreme Court reserved its decision on bail applications and Umar Khalid granted interim bail to attend sister's wedding
- When
- The decision was reserved on Wednesday, with a final decision expected before December 19, 2023 and interim bail granted from December 16-29, 2023
- Where
- Supreme Court of India and Delhi Court
- Why
- The accused challenged the Delhi High Court order dismissing their bail pleas and Umar Khalid sought interim bail to attend his sister's wedding
Prosecution
Defense
Presence During Riots
Prosecution
Umar Khalid deliberately planned to leave Delhi before the riots to deflect responsibility.
Defense
Umar Khalid was not in Delhi during the riots.
Role in Conspiracy
Prosecution
The acts of one conspirator can be attributed to the others, and Sharjeel Imam's speeches can be attributed to Umar Khalid.
Defense
The accused were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest, and the larger conspiracy case is an attempt to criminalise dissent.
Trial Delay
Prosecution
The accused are responsible for delaying the trial for 'mala fide and mischievous reasons'.
Defense
The prolonged incarceration amounts to punishment before conviction, and the accused seek parity with other co-accused who were granted bail.
- Accused
- Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Athar Khan, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Muhammad Saleem Khan, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Date of Riots
- February 2020
- Key Argument by Defense
- Umar Khalid was not in Delhi during the riots
- Key Argument by Prosecution
- Umar Khalid planned to leave Delhi before the riots to deflect responsibility
- Communication Platforms
- WhatsApp, Signal
- Legal Act
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
- Date of High Court Denial
- September 2, 2023
- Date of Supreme Court Notice
- September 22, 2023
- Date of Police Affidavit
- October 30, 2023
- Date of Winter Break
- December 19, 2023
- Date of Document Submission
- December 18, 2023
- Interim Bail Duration
- December 16, 2023 to December 29, 2023
- Bail Conditions
- No social media use, only meet family, relatives, and friends
Sources
Larger conspiracy case: SC reserves order on bail pleas filed by 2020 Delhi riots accused
SC reserves verdict on Khalid bail plea; Sharjeel Imam, others also await decision
SC reserves order on bail pleas by Umar Khalid, others accused in Delhi riots ‘larger conspiracy’
Supreme Court reserves verdict on bail pleas of UAPA accused Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, Centre highlights how their speeches instigated Delhi anti-Hindu riots
SC reserves order on bail pleas of Khalid, Sharjeel
Umar Khalid Gets Two Week Interim Bail to Attend Sister's Wedding
Umar Khalid gets bail for sister's wedding, not allowed to use social media, will only meet...
Umar Khalid gets 2 weeks interim bail to attend sister’s wedding
Delhi Riots Case: Umar Khalid granted interim bail to attend sister’s wedding
Umar Khalid, Delhi riots accused, gets interim bail from Delhi Court to attend sister’s wedding
Why Umar Khalid Has Been Granted Interim Bail in 2020 Delhi Riots Case
Delhi court grants interim bail to activist Umar Khalid to attend sister’s wedding
Delhi court grants interim bail to Umar Khalid to attend sister’s wedding
Umar Khalid Gets 2-Week Interim Bail In 2020 Delhi Riots Case To Attend Sister's Wedding
Delhi riots accused Umar Khalid granted 13-day bail
Delhi court grants interim bail to Umar Khalid
Delhi riots larger conspiracy case: Umar Khalid granted interim bail to attend sister’s wedding
