Umar Khalid, one of the accused in the Northeast Delhi riots and who has been behind bars for about five years, has sought an interim bail following his sister’s wedding, starting from December 14 to 29. The wedding has been scheduled for December 27. He was also granted bail two years ago for his other sister’s wedding.
Umar Khalid is an accused in the alleged larger conspiracy case related to the Delhi riots. He has been charge-sheeted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, alongside several others. He has consistently denied the allegations and has sought bail on several occasions, including before higher courts.
The application was presented before the special court hearing cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The court is expected to hear the matter from both defense and prosecution on December 11.
Sharjeel Imam, Tahir Hussain, Shifa Ur Rehman, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Meeran Haider, Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, and others are also behind bars in the same case.
In November, Delhi Police informed the Supreme Court that the trial of several accused—including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are booked under the UAPA in the 2020 Delhi riots case—is likely to conclude within two years. The clarification came as the police continued presenting arguments opposing the bail pleas of Khalid, Imam, and five other co-accused.
Ahead of the submission, the Supreme Court has also heard the counterarguments from senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for some of the accused.
