Former JNU student leader Umar Khalid has been granted interim bail by the Karkardooma Court to attend his cousin’s wedding. Khalid, currently in judicial custody in connection with a UAPA case related to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 North East Delhi violence, has been permitted to leave custody for seven days, from December 28 to January 3.
Case Background
- Judicial Custody and Arrest:
- Umar Khalid was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell on September 14, 2020, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- He is accused of involvement in a conspiracy that allegedly led to the communal violence in North East Delhi in February 2020.
- Legal Developments:
- Khalid’s regular bail applications have been denied on multiple occasions.
- The trial court noted that the Delhi High Court had earlier concluded that allegations against him were prima facie true and that the legal restrictions under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA applied, thereby preventing bail.
- The High Court dismissed Khalid’s criminal appeal on October 18, 2022, following which he withdrew his petition before the Supreme Court.
- Pending Appeal:
- The Delhi High Court is presently reviewing the regular bail applications of both Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, another activist arrested under the UAPA for alleged conspiracy in the riots.
Interim Bail Details
- The court emphasized that the bail was granted strictly for personal and humanitarian reasons—to allow Khalid to attend family wedding functions.
- The interim relief is limited to the specified dates and does not influence the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
Context of the Case
The 2020 North East Delhi riots resulted in significant loss of life and property, with over 50 people killed and hundreds injured. The violence broke out amidst protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and led to multiple investigations and arrests under stringent laws like the UAPA.
Khalid’s involvement, as alleged by the prosecution, includes incitement and coordination of protests that spiraled into violence. However, Khalid and his supporters have denied the charges, claiming they are politically motivated.
Broader Implications
The case has drawn widespread attention due to its implications for dissent, free speech, and the use of anti-terror laws like the UAPA in India. While Khalid’s interim bail is a temporary reprieve, the resolution of his regular bail application and trial will be closely watched as a test of the balance between security concerns and individual rights.