A Delhi court has once again denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case, keeping both men behind bars after nearly six years in custody.
The Riots That Led To The Case
The Karkardooma Court in Delhi rejected the bail applications filed by Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA. Delhi Police had arrested both of them under the same law in connection with an alleged conspiracy behind the riots that broke out in northeast Delhi in February 2020. More than 50 people were killed in the violence.
Plea Cited Slow Progress In Trial
In their bail applications, the two accused argued that even though the Supreme Court had already dismissed their earlier bail pleas, the trial had barely moved forward over the past six months. They pointed out that both of them have already spent close to six years in jail while the case continues to drag on, and used this as the basis for seeking bail once again.
Second Bail Attempt, After Supreme Court Rejection
This was the second time Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam had sought bail in this case. Their previous plea had been turned down by the Supreme Court on 5 January this year. During an earlier hearing, the court had issued notice to Delhi Police and asked for its response to the fresh bail applications.
Police Opposed The Bail Plea
During the hearing, Delhi Police opposed the bail applications filed by the two men. After considering the arguments and the police's objection, the Karkardooma Court rejected the bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, meaning both will continue to remain in jail for now.
