The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police seeking their formal response to a fresh bail petition and an interim bail plea filed by Umar Khalid in connection with the larger conspiracy case surrounding the February 2020 North-East Delhi riots. A division bench took up the matter and directed the prosecution to submit its detailed reply within two weeks. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 27, 2026, combining it with the bail application of co-accused Sharjeel Imam.
Bench Grants Delhi Police Two Weeks to File Reply
A division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan issued the notice while hearing Umar Khalid's petition challenging the trial court's order dated July 4, which had rejected his bail application. Counsel representing Umar Khalid informed the bench that this marks his third attempt to secure bail since his arrest in September 2020. Alongside regular bail, the petitioner has also requested interim bail while the proceedings continue.
Joint Hearing Fixed Alongside Co-Accused Sharjeel Imam
Appearing on behalf of the Delhi Police, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju submitted that the trial court had dismissed the bail pleas of both Umar Khalid and co-accused Sharjeel Imam through the same order on July 4. He suggested that since both appeals arise from the same judicial decision, it would be appropriate for the High Court to hear them together. Accepting this submission, the bench ordered both matters to be listed jointly on August 27.
Background of the February 2020 North-East Delhi Violence
The case originates from the widespread communal violence that erupted across North-East Delhi in February 2020 during demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The conflict resulted in the tragic loss of 53 lives and caused injuries to more than 700 individuals. Following the events, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police registered a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), alleging a coordinated conspiracy behind the riots.
Co-Accused and Investigation Status
In its comprehensive investigation, the Special Cell named several individuals in the larger conspiracy charge sheet alongside Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Key figures named in the case include Khalid Saifi and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain. Law enforcement agencies contend that these individuals were involved in orchestrating the unrest. The case remains under active judicial review as the High Court prepares for its combined hearing later in August.
