New Delhi, May 29, 2024: A Delhi court has denied bail to activist and former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid in the “larger conspiracy” case linked to the 2020 riots. Special Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Court delivered the ruling on Tuesday, following the reservation of the order on May 13.
Khalid’s bail application highlighted delays in proceedings and sought parity with other accused who had been granted bail. His advocate, Trideep Pais, argued that none of the statements by witnesses justified a terrorism charge against Khalid. “The accused has not committed any terrorist act… There is not a single seizure from him,” Pais asserted, questioning whether sharing messages could be deemed a criminal or terror act.
Pais countered the claims made by the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP), who alleged that Khalid was amplifying his narrative as part of a conspiracy by sharing links with political figures and others on social media. Pais defended Khalid’s actions as sharing the “correct narrative.”
Criticizing the “media trial” facilitated by news channels reading from the charge sheet, Pais emphasized the need for a thorough examination of witnesses and evidence to validate the terror charges against Khalid. He underscored the chilling effect of anti-terror laws on freedom of expression, suggesting that individuals who speak out are being silenced under the guise of national security.
The Delhi Police opposed the bail, alleging that Khalid had a history of manipulating social media narratives to influence bail hearings. Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad informed the court that Khalid engaged with actors and politicians to create public sympathy, framing it as part of a “larger conspiracy.”
