A Delhi court on Wednesday granted interim bail to former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid for seven days, enabling him to attend a wedding in his family. The bail period, starting from December 28 and ending on January 3, comes with specific conditions set by the court. Khalid, a prominent activist, is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged involvement in a larger conspiracy connected to the Northeast Delhi riots of 2020.
Khalid had initially requested a 10-day bail to participate fully in the family wedding, but the court approved a reduced period of seven days. This limited duration was granted after the court balanced his family obligations with the ongoing legal proceedings. The court’s decision provides a brief respite for Khalid, who has been in custody since his arrest on September 14, 2020, by the Delhi Police.
The 2020 Northeast Delhi riots erupted during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The violence, which spanned several days, left 53 people dead, more than 700 injured, and caused widespread damage to property. Khalid has been accused of playing a central role in planning and orchestrating the protests that allegedly escalated into violence, leading to his arrest under stringent anti-terror laws.
The Delhi Police strongly opposed Khalid’s interim bail application, claiming that his involvement in the conspiracy was far-reaching and premeditated. They alleged that Khalid communicated with high-profile individuals, including actors and politicians, as part of a coordinated effort to amplify his narrative and incite unrest. The prosecution argued that granting bail, even temporarily, could interfere with the ongoing investigation and undermine the case against him.
This is not the first time Khalid’s bail pleas have been rejected. In May 2023, the trial court dismissed his second application for regular bail, reiterating that the allegations against him were serious and that his release could potentially impact the judicial process. Earlier, in October 2022, the Delhi High Court upheld the trial court’s decision to deny bail, stating that the anti-CAA protests had "metamorphosed into violent riots" that appeared to be "orchestrated at conspiratorial meetings." Witness statements presented by the prosecution were deemed sufficient to establish Khalid’s "active involvement" in these alleged conspiracies.
The High Court’s observations further noted that Khalid's speeches and activities were integral to the protests, which later spiraled into widespread violence. The court emphasized that the allegations against him, supported by prima facie evidence, justified his continued detention under the UAPA, a law designed to combat terrorism and acts threatening national security.
Despite his prolonged incarceration, Khalid’s case has sparked widespread debate and public attention. Supporters argue that he is being unfairly targeted for his activism and dissenting views, while critics assert that his actions contributed to the breakdown of law and order during the riots.
The court's decision to grant temporary bail, however, reflects its consideration of humanitarian grounds, acknowledging Khalid’s request to fulfill his family commitments. While the seven-day reprieve provides him with an opportunity to reunite with his loved ones, the broader legal battle continues. Khalid remains a significant figure in the high-profile case, which has implications for both civil liberties and the enforcement of anti-terrorism laws in India.
As Khalid prepares to attend the family wedding, the case against him moves forward, with the prosecution set to present further evidence and arguments in the coming months. The outcome of these proceedings will be closely watched, as they not only determine Khalid’s future but also address larger questions about dissent, free speech, and the application of the UAPA in India’s legal framework.
