Thu Jan 29 11:54:32 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Delhi Court Denies Bail to Three Accused in 2020 Riots Conspiracy Case

The Story:
A Delhi court on Thursday, January 29, 2026, rejected the bail applications of Salim Malik, Athar Khan, and former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, all accused in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai denied their bail despite the Supreme Court granting bail to five other accused in the same case on January 5, 2026, with the trio seeking parity. The accused are charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Athar Khan is accused of being a main organizer of protests in Chand Bagh and delivering inflammatory speeches, while Salim Malik is alleged to be one of the organizers of anti-CAA/NRC meetings. While five other accused were granted bail by the Supreme Court, the court denied relief to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, stating that all accused did not stand on the same footing.

Key Points:

  • A Delhi court rejected the bail applications of Salim Malik, Athar Khan, and Tahir Hussain in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case on January 29, 2026.
  • The three accused sought bail based on parity, referencing the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to five other accused on January 5, 2026: Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad.
  • The accused are charged under the UAPA.
  • Athar Khan is accused of organizing protests and delivering inflammatory speeches.
  • Salim Malik is alleged to be an organizer of anti-CAA/NRC meetings.
  • Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were previously denied bail by the Supreme Court in the same case.
  • As of January 29, 2026, seven of the original 20 accused remain in prison, including Khalid, Imam, Athar Khan, Salim Malik, Tahir Hussain, Tasleem Ahmed, and Khalid Saifi, while two remain absconding.

Key Takeaways:

  • The legal proceedings related to the 2020 Delhi riots continue to be complex and protracted.
  • The courts are differentiating between the roles and alleged culpability of various accused individuals.
  • The UAPA continues to be a significant legal instrument used in these cases.
  • The granting of bail to some accused does not automatically extend to all, highlighting the importance of individual circumstances in judicial decisions.

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