Tue Jan 21 14:27:36 UTC 2025: ## Delhi High Court Impatiently Awaits Prosecution’s Case in 2020 Riots Bail Hearing

**New Delhi:** The Delhi High Court expressed its frustration on Tuesday over the protracted bail hearing for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots. The court, comprised of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur, demanded that the prosecution clearly outline the specific roles of each accused in the alleged conspiracy that led to the violence, which claimed 53 lives and left many injured.

The court’s impatience stemmed from the defense’s assertion that there is no evidence against them. Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad requested more time to file a note detailing each accused’s role, arguing that these were not simple bail pleas but appeals against trial court rejections, requiring extensive hearings. He maintained that two courts had already established the existence of a conspiracy.

While acknowledging the complexity of the case, the judges firmly stated the hearing could not continue indefinitely. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the police, also pleaded for more time, but the court reiterated its demand for a swift conclusion.

The prosecution’s arguments centered on the claim that Imam and others delivered inflammatory speeches, inciting the protests, and that the protests were not organic. The prosecution alleged that Sharjeel Imam masterminded the Shaheen Bagh protest site and cited his speeches advocating actions that challenged the nation’s sovereignty. They argued the violence was a direct result of pre-planned actions coordinated through WhatsApp groups, leading to the filing of 751 FIRs. The prosecution also highlighted the alleged strategic use of women in stone-pelting and the involvement of Jamia students.

The accused, including Khalid, who is seeking bail for a second time, have argued for parity with other co-accused granted bail and cited their prolonged incarceration. The court will hear the case again on February 12.

Read More