New Delhi: A Delhi court has allowed activist Umar Khalid to continue having two weekly video meetings with his family while he remains in custody in connection with the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Court passed the order on July 13 after hearing a plea filed by Khalid seeking restoration of the facility. The number of weekly video meetings had been reduced to one from May 2026.
Khalid’s counsel told the court that he had received permission for two weekly e-mulakats since the beginning of his incarceration. The counsel argued that the reduction took place without any stated reason and despite Khalid following prison rules.
The jail authorities opposed the request, stating that Delhi Prison Rules provide for one e-mulakat every week. The Delhi Police also raised security concerns over regular communication.
The court, however, held that supervised video meetings would address security concerns while considering humanitarian aspects. It noted that Khalid had followed prison regulations while using the facility.
The court said Khalid had been using two weekly e-mulakats for around six years without violating prison rules. It allowed him to continue two weekly video meetings to communicate with his mother and other family members.
Khalid is facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and provisions of the Indian Penal Code in the alleged larger conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots. He has remained in jail for around six years.
The riots took place during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and resulted in the deaths of 53 people and injuries to more than 700 others. The trial in the case is ongoing.
