Mon Oct 27 05:12:22 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on the bail pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and three others accused in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots until October 31, 2025. The adjournment was granted after the Delhi Police requested more time to file a counter-affidavit, despite the court’s previous observation that sufficient time had already been given. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal noted the petitioners have been in jail for five years. The Court directed the Delhi Police to obtain proper instructions. Umar Khalid has previously argued that he was unfairly singled out and that there is no physical evidence linking him to the conspiracy.
News Article:
Delhi Riots Case: Supreme Court Adjourns Bail Hearing for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam
New Delhi, October 27, 2025 – The Supreme Court today adjourned the hearing on the bail applications of activist Sharjeel Imam, former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scholar Umar Khalid, and three other individuals implicated in the larger conspiracy surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots. The case has been deferred until October 31, 2025, as the Delhi Police requested additional time to file a counter-affidavit.
A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria expressed concerns over the continued delays, noting that ample opportunity had already been provided to the prosecution. “Frankly speaking, in bail matters there is no question of filing counter,” the Bench remarked.
The Delhi High Court previously denied bail to the accused, citing “conspiratorial violence under the garb of demonstrations or protests.” Imam, Khalid, and others are charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), accused of being “masterminds” behind the February 2020 riots that resulted in 53 fatalities and over 700 injuries.
During today’s proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, highlighted that his clients have been incarcerated for five years already. Justice Kumar directed the Additional Solicitor-General (ASG) S.V. Raju to obtain proper instructions and “examine if you can come up with something” by the next hearing.
ASG Raju stated he would review the record.
Umar Khalid has previously argued before a Delhi court that he was “singled out” by the police, despite others with “bigger roles” not being charged. He has also asserted the absence of “physical evidence” linking him to the alleged conspiracy, contending that the police case relies solely on statements recorded months after the riots.
The communal riots in North-East Delhi in February 2020 resulted in 53 deaths and widespread displacement. The case continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and legal debate.
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