The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail applications of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case. A bench comprising Justice Naveen Chawla and Justice Shalinder Kaur heard the matter and rejected the bail pleas of nine accused, including Khalid and Imam.

Earlier, the High Court had also refused to grant bail to Tasleem Ahmed, another accused arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). On July 10, the bench had reserved its decision after hearing arguments, during which Delhi Police strongly opposed granting bail.

Bail Plea of Multiple Accused Dismissed

Apart from Khalid and Imam, the court had also reserved its verdict on the bail pleas of Mohammad Salim Khan, Shifa ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Abdul Khalid Saifi, and Gulfisha Fatima. The prosecution argued that this was not a simple case of communal riots but a pre-planned conspiracy with malicious intent.

“Conspiracy to Defame India,” Says Solicitor General

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the prosecution, stated that the riots were part of a larger conspiracy aimed at tarnishing India’s global image. He argued that the seriousness of the charges under UAPA meant that the length of imprisonment alone could not justify bail.

“If you act against your country, it is better you remain in jail until acquitted,” Mehta said.

Background of the Case

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others were charged under UAPA and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being the masterminds behind the February 2020 riots, which erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The riots resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries across Delhi. Since 2022, the bail petitions of several accused, including Imam, Khalid Saifi, and Gulfisha Fatima, have been pending before the High Court and heard by multiple benches.