Umar Khalid cites ‘change in circumstance’ to withdraw bail plea from SC

Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid, an accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the 2020 North East Delhi riots larger conspiracy case withdrew his bail plea from the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Khalid cited a "change in circumstances" as the reason for his decision and expressed his intention to seek relief in the trial court.

A bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal presided over Khalid's petition, which was ultimately allowed to be withdrawn.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Khalid, informed the bench of his client's desire to retract the plea, emphasizing the intention to pursue legal avenues in the trial court. Sibal stated, "There has been a change in circumstances, we will try our luck in the trial court."

Khalid's move comes after the Delhi High Court upheld a trial court order denying him bail in the case back in October 2022. Despite withdrawing the bail plea, Khalid has not abandoned his challenge to the provisions of the UAPA.

Sibal clarified to the bench that Khalid's petition challenging the UAPA provisions remains active, and he intends to argue the same.

The North East Delhi riots, which occurred in February 2020, resulted in widespread violence and claimed the lives of over fifty individuals, with numerous others injured. The case has garnered significant attention, with several individuals, including Khalid, facing charges under the stringent UAPA.