Delhi court asks Umar Khalid to stay away from media during interim bail

New Delhi: Activist and former JNU student Umar Khalid has been instructed not to talk to the media including social media or give any interviews while he is out on interim bail. A Delhi court granted the 2020 northeast Delhi riots accused interim bail of seven days to attend his sister's wedding.

The court's order on Monday imposed several conditions on the bail as he is charged under UAPA - anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

"He shall not meet any members of the public. He will be entitled to interact with his family members, relatives, and friends during the marriage ceremony, but during his entire interim bail period, he shall remain at home except to attend marriage functions on December 26, 27, and 28 at the designated place," specified the order.

Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat said marriage-related functions were to be held from December 26 to 28 and the court in its "discretion" was exercising its "latitude" and found it fit to grant him interim bail for seven days from December 23. He will have to surrender on December 30.

"Accordingly applicant or accused Umar Khalid is directed to be released on interim bail...on furnishing of personal bond in the sum of Rs 25,000 with two sureties of the like amount," he added.

The court also declared that the bail will not be extended.

The order further said that Khalid should not get in touch with any of the witnesses or tamper with evidence. He should also provide the phone number to the investigating officer and keep the device on till the end of interim bail. He is also instructed to contact the investigating officer via video calls every day.