Delhi High Court to Scrutinize Bail Appeals in North East Delhi Riots Case

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court will address arguments from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta objecting to bail requests filed by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and other defendants in the 2020 North East Delhi Riots case. Allegations suggest a broader conspiracy involving 18 people charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with two suspects still at large.

The matter, initially adjourned to July 9 at the request of the special public prosecutor for Delhi police, is being overseen by a division bench consisting of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur. Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad appeared in person, while SG Mehta participated via video conferencing.

The High Court continues to deliberate on the bail pleas of Khalid and Imam. The accused challenge trial court decisions that denied them bail, arguing against the UAPA's embargo. Previously, on June 15, 2021, fellow accused Devangana Kalita, Natasha Narwal, and Asif Iqbal Tanha secured regular bail from the Delhi High Court, overturning trial court rulings. Ishrat Jahan also received bail from the trial court.

Prosecutors claim the accused orchestrated a conspiracy leading to the February 2020 riots, which caused 53 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Police allege Khalid and Imam as primary conspirators based on evidence, such as WhatsApp communications and speeches, with over 700 FIRs filed across various regions.

Previously, the Delhi High Court questioned police practices, querying if organizing protests suffices for UAPA charges and requesting clear evidence to validate claims. The case has currently reached the argument stage over charges. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)