New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has issued notice on bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, and Shifa-ur Rehman in the 2020 Delhi Riots larger conspiracy case. The matter is scheduled for hearing on October 7.
The five accused have filed Special Leave Petitions challenging the Delhi High Court’s September 2 order denying them bail. The High Court had stated that violence in the name of protest does not fall under free speech and noted the grave role of Khalid and Imam in instigating communal tensions through inflammatory speeches.
Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal appeared for Gulfisha Fatima and other accused, urging the Court to consider interim bail for Fatima, a student who has been in jail for five years. The Supreme Court directed notice to be issued by all modes and listed the matter for detailed hearing.
The 2020 riots erupted in Northeast Delhi during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, resulting in 53 deaths and thousands of injuries. The accused face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Indian Penal Code, and Arms Act provisions. Police allege that the accused were involved in organising protests that escalated into large-scale violence, including attacks on police personnel and public property.
Gulfisha Fatima was accused of leading blockades and prompting attacks in Jafrabad, while Shifa-ur Rehman allegedly financed and managed protest sites. Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam are named as central conspirators in FIR 59/2020, with roles in mobilising and radicalising protest activities.
The Supreme Court hearing is expected to provide clarity on the bail applications and the legal proceedings of the high-profile case.
