Mon Sep 01 22:42:26 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Delhi High Court is set to deliver its verdict on the bail applications of activists Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and others involved in a UAPA case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. The prosecution argues the riots were a planned conspiracy to defame India globally, while the accused cite their long incarceration and parity with co-accused who have been granted bail. The police have alleged that speeches by the accused incited fear and that the principle of ‘bail is the rule’ does not apply to such grave offenses.

**News Article:**

**Delhi High Court to Rule on Bail Pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid in 2020 Riots Case**

**NEW DELHI, September 2, 2025** – The Delhi High Court is expected to pronounce its verdict today, September 2nd, on the bail petitions of activists Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and other individuals facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots.

A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur is scheduled to deliver the order at 2:30 p.m. after reserving judgment on July 9th. The case involves multiple accused including Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Abdul Khalid Saifi, and Gulfisha Fatima.

The prosecution, led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, has vehemently opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the riots were not spontaneous but a meticulously planned conspiracy to defame India on an international scale. Mehta stated that prolonged incarceration should not be grounds for bail when national security is at stake.

Defense lawyers, representing Sharjeel Imam, argued that he was disconnected from the alleged conspiracy and that his speeches and communications did not incite unrest.

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others are accused of being masterminds behind the 2020 riots, which resulted in 53 fatalities and over 700 injuries. The violence erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The accused, citing their extended detention and parity with co-accused who have been granted bail, have challenged the trial court’s denial of their bail applications.

Police have argued that the communal violence was a “clinical and pathological conspiracy” and that speeches by the accused, referencing CAA-NRC, the Babri mosque, triple talaq, and Kashmir, fostered fear. The Delhi Police maintains that the severity of the offenses negates the principle of “bail is the rule, jail is the exception.” The prosecution also denies any attempts to delay the trial court proceedings.

The High Court’s ruling is keenly anticipated as it carries significant implications for the ongoing investigation and the rights of the accused.

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