Delhi Court Rejects Umar Khalid's Bail Plea

A Delhi court on Tuesday rejected student activist Umar Khalid's bail application seeking interim release on humanitarian grounds to care for his ailing mother. Additional Sessions Judge Dr. Sameer Bajaj of Karkardooma Courts dismissed the plea, stating it was "not reasonable." Khalid, 37, has been in judicial custody since September 14, 2020, in connection with the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi communal riots. ### Who is Umar Khalid? Umar Khalid is a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader and activist known for his involvement in anti-CAA protests in 2019-2020. Delhi Police arrested him on September 14, 2020, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code sections for allegedly masterminding riots that killed 53 people, mostly Muslims, in northeast Delhi from February 23-26, 2020. Khalid has denied the charges, calling them fabricated. His legal team argues there is no direct evidence linking him to violence, only to organizing peaceful protests. The Supreme Court denied him regular bail in October 2022 but left the door open for fresh applications. ### What is the Delhi Riots Larger Conspiracy Case? The case stems from riots that erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), resulting in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries. Delhi Police alleges a "larger conspiracy" by activists, including Khalid, to incite violence resembling the 2002 Gujarat riots. Over 700 FIRs were filed, with 250 people arrested. Key accused alongside Khalid include JNU student Sharjeel Imam, activist Natasha Narwal, and Devangana Kalita. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over probe in March 2020, charging under UAPA for terrorist acts. Courts have granted bail to some co-accused like Narwal and Kalita in 2021, citing lack of evidence, but Khalid remains jailed. ### Why Did Khalid Seek Bail This Time? Khalid filed the bail plea citing his mother, Sabiha Khanum's, deteriorating health. Court records show she suffers from hypertension, anxiety, and needs constant care post-surgery. His counsel, Trideep Pais, argued no one else in the family could provide full-time support, calling it a compelling humanitarian ground. The application sought four weeks' interim bail, not regular bail. Prosecutors opposed, saying Khalid could support his mother via video calls from Tihar Jail and that her condition wasn't critical enough. Judge Bajaj agreed, noting prior medical aid was arranged and the request lacked merit during trial. ### What Did the Court Specifically Say? Judge Dr. Sameer Bajaj observed: "The grounds taken by the applicant are not reasonable for grant of indulgence by this court." He emphasized the ongoing trial stage and UAPA charges' gravity, where bail is hard to get. The order came after hearing arguments on May 17, with decision reserved then. This marks Khalid's eighth bail rejection at trial court level. His team plans appeal to Delhi High Court, as with previous denials. ### Previous Bail Attempts by Khalid? Khalid's first bail plea was rejected by trial court in March 2022. Delhi High Court denied in October 2022 by Justices Siddharth Mridul and Rajnish Bhatnagar, calling evidence against him "prima facie true." Supreme Court bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudharsana Reddy rejected final plea in February 2024 but allowed fresh pleas if circumstances change. In November 2024, SC sought responses on a new plea but deferred hearing. Khalid has spent over 1,340 days in jail without trial starting fully, per his lawyers. Co-accused like Imam remain detained too. ### Current Status of the Riots Case? The trial before Judge Bajaj involves 13 accused in the UAPA "larger conspiracy" chargesheet. Framing of charges happened in January 2024. Prosecution has examined over 100 witnesses; defense cross-examination ongoing. Full trial could take years due to UAPA complexities. Khalid's next appeal is expected in Delhi High Court soon, with hearings listed weekly. Supreme Court has a May 27 listing for related pleas by co-accused. ```