Delhi court grants 7-day interim bail to Umar Khalid for cousin’s wedding

New Delhi: A Delhi court has granted seven days’ interim bail to former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid, accused in the Northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, to attend his cousin’s wedding and meet his relatives.

In his bail plea, Khalid stated that his first cousin’s wedding is scheduled for January 1 at Masjid Ishaat Islam in Abul Fazal Enclave, New Delhi, followed by a nikah and dinner at Kalindi Kunj. He highlighted that pre-wedding ceremonies, including haldi and mehendi, are planned for December 30 and 31. Khalid also expressed his wish to meet relatives, particularly his sister, who is traveling from the United States. He clarified that he would not attend the wedding reception in Nagpur and would remain in Delhi.

Shahdara District Court Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai approved Khalid’s plea, allowing his release from the morning of December 28 until the evening of January 3, 2025, upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 20,000.

The court imposed conditions on Khalid, restricting his interactions to family members, relatives, and friends. He is required to stay either at his home or at the venues specified for the wedding ceremonies and is prohibited from using social media during this period.

Khalid is one of the accused in the larger conspiracy case related to the Northeast Delhi riots that occurred between February 23 and February 25, 2020. He faces charges under multiple laws, including the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, the Arms Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The former JNU student had sought interim bail from the trial court while his regular bail plea remains pending before the Delhi High Court. During a December 6 hearing, Khalid’s counsel argued that of the 34 offences alleged against him, he has either completed the sentence or has served over half of it in several cases.