SC Reserves Verdict on Bail Pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and Others in Delhi Riots Case

December 10, 2025

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its judgment on multiple petitions filed by student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, along with Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, and Mohd. Saleem Khan, challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision denying them bail in the alleged “larger conspiracy” case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots.

The activists, booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), have spent over five years in judicial custody.

Bench Seeks Additional Documents by December 18

After hearing detailed arguments from both sides, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria reserved its verdict. The court also directed the petitioners and the prosecution to submit any supplementary documents supporting their stand by December 18.

SG Argues Riots Were ‘Preplanned Attack on Sovereignty’

During an earlier hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi Police, strongly opposed the bail pleas, asserting that the 2020 violence was not a spur-of-the-moment communal clash.
He argued: “This was not a spontaneous riot but a well-designed, well-crafted and orchestrated attack on national sovereignty.”

Mehta added that evidence collected—including purported speeches and WhatsApp chats—pointed to a “clear and discernible attempt to divide society on communal lines”. He claimed the chats contained references to mobilising funds and causing damage to property, describing the events as “systematic and synchronised”.

The SG further alleged that delays in the trial were caused by the accused, who “argued for 4-5 days each” while opposing the framing of charges.

Delhi Police Labels Khalid a ‘Key Conspirator’

In its counter-affidavit, the Delhi Police described Umar Khalid as one of the “key conspirators” and said he acted as a “mentor” to others, including Sharjeel Imam. The prosecution reiterated that the conspiracy was strategically planned to coincide with then-US President Donald Trump’s visit to India, aiming to draw international attention.

On September 2, the Delhi High Court had rejected the bail applications of Imam, Khalid and several other accused in the alleged “larger conspiracy” behind the 2020 riots.