Umar Khalid’s father expresses disappointment after Supreme Court denies bail
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The Supreme Court on Monday denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case, observing that both accused stood on a “higher footing in the hierarchy of participation” in the alleged larger conspiracy.
Reacting to the verdict, Umar Khalid’s father, S Qasim Ilyas, described the decision as “very unfortunate.”
“I have no comment to offer. It is very unfortunate. I have nothing to say about it. The judgment is there,” Ilyas told mediapersons outside the court.
While denying bail to Khalid and Imam, the apex court granted conditional bail to five other accused — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Mohammad Salim Khan, and Shadab Ahmad.
According to Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, he expressed happiness and relief for those granted bail, even as he remarked that jail had become his life.
The bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria clarified that its decision “does not dismantle the prosecution case of conspiracy, nor does it rank culpability.” The judges said the intent was to ensure that pretrial incarceration does not become indiscriminate and that statutory restrictions are applied reasonably, proportionately, and based on individual roles.
In September last year, the Delhi High Court had rejected the bail pleas of nine accused in the case, ruling that the riots were not a “regular protest” but a “premeditated and well-orchestrated conspiracy,” and citing the seriousness of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Supreme Court had reserved its verdict after hearing a batch of special leave petitions challenging the Delhi High Court’s order.