Mon Nov 11 08:20:20 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Refuses Bail for Activist Gulfisha Fatima in 2020 Delhi Riots Case

**New Delhi, November 11, 2024:** The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant bail to activist Gulfisha Fatima, who has been imprisoned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for four years and seven months in connection with the 2020 North East Delhi riots. The court directed the Delhi High Court to hear her bail plea on November 25.

Fatima, who was arrested in April 2020, was accused of being involved in a conspiracy behind the riots. Her counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, argued that the delay in her trial, which has been pending for over two-and-a-half years, justified her release on bail. He cited recent Supreme Court judgments in the K. Kavitha and Manish Sisodia bail cases, which emphasized the need for leniency towards women undertrials in cases of delayed trials.

Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Bela M. Trivedi, remained unconvinced. They noted that Fatima’s bail plea was already scheduled for hearing in the Delhi High Court on November 25 and requested the court to hear the case unless unforeseen circumstances arise.

The court’s decision comes after it recently dismissed the bail plea of Sharjeel Imam in the same case, directing the Delhi High Court to hear his case. While acknowledging the need for Fatima’s plea to be heard, the court opted for the same treatment as Imam’s case.

Fatima’s continued imprisonment under the UAPA, despite the lack of trial progress, has raised concerns about the potential for prolonged detention under the draconian law. The case is likely to be closely watched as it highlights the challenges faced by accused individuals under the UAPA, particularly in the context of prolonged detention and delayed trials.

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