Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam File Fresh Bail Pleas in 2020 Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case
Activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam have filed fresh bail applications before a Delhi court in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The pleas come after the Supreme Court denied their bail in January 2026, citing a prima facie case under UAPA, though a separate Supreme Court bench has since questioned that ruling's interpretation. The case is significant as both men have been in custody for nearly six years with charge arguments still incomplete, raising questions about prolonged detention under UAPA.
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam filed fresh regular bail applications before Additional Sessions Judge Sumedh Saini/Sethi at Karkardooma Courts in Delhi, which issued notice to the Delhi Police and scheduled the next hearing for July 4. The two activists have been held for nearly six years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and IPC provisions on allegations that they were masterminds behind the February 2020 riots in northeast Delhi, which killed 53 people and injured over 700 amid protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and proposed National Register of Citizens. The Supreme Court denied their bail in January 2026, finding a prima facie case against them under UAPA Section 43D(5) and distinguishing their alleged role from five co-accused who were granted bail. However, a subsequent Supreme Court bench questioned the interpretation of that ruling and referred to a larger bench the question of whether prolonged incarceration and trial delays can justify bail despite UAPA restrictions, a development that prompted the fresh pleas. Imam's application specifically argues that more than six months have passed since the January rejection with no meaningful progress in trial proceedings, and that arguments on framing of charges remain incomplete. Two other accused in the case, Tasleem Ahmed and Khalid Saifi, were separately granted six months' interim bail by the Supreme Court. The Delhi Police has been asked to file its response ahead of the July 4 hearing.
What's missing
The articles do not clarify the current status of the trial itself — specifically how far charge framing proceedings have progressed or when a conclusion might be expected — which is central to assessing the prolonged detention argument.
How coverage differed
All three outlets reported the core facts consistently. The Times of India and Live Law provided additional detail about the Supreme Court's referral to a larger bench on the UAPA bail interpretation question, which The Hindu omitted, while The Hindu gave more background on the riots' death toll and the CAA/NRC protest context.
What different sources said
- Live LawCenter
Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam Move Court Seeking Bail In Delhi Riots Larger Conspiracy Case
- Times of IndiaCenter
Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam move Delhi court for bail; police asked to respond
- The HinduCenter
2020 Delhi riots: Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid move fresh bail pleas in ‘larger conspiracy’ case
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