A Delhi court has granted Umar Khalid, a former JNU student leader and activist, a 15-day interim bail to attend his sister's wedding. Khalid, who has been in custody since September 2020, is accused in a larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots.
The interim bail will be effective from December 16 to December 29, 2025. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma court granted Khalid the relief on a personal bond of ₹20,000 with two sureties of the same amount. As part of the bail conditions, Khalid is barred from using social media and is permitted to meet only with family members, relatives, and friends. The court has also directed him to stay at his home or at the locations where the wedding ceremonies will be held. He is also required to provide his mobile number to the investigating officer and keep it active throughout the bail period and is barred from contacting any witnesses or individuals connected to the case. Khalid's sister's wedding is scheduled for December 27.
Khalid had sought interim bail from December 14 to December 29, stating that his presence was essential for the wedding ceremonies and preparations. He also mentioned that he would be able to spend time with his elderly parents and meet his elder sister and her children, who are traveling from abroad to attend the wedding. The Delhi Police had opposed Khalid's bail plea.
This is not the first time Khalid has been granted interim bail for a family event. In December 2024, he was granted bail for seven days to attend his cousin's wedding. He was also granted interim bail for a week in 2022 to attend his sister's marriage ceremony.
Umar Khalid and several other activists have been booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and other charges for allegedly being the "masterminds" of the 2020 riots, which resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries. The violence occurred during widespread protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti reacted to Khalid's interim release, calling it "tragic and puzzling" that he had to wait five years to get a short parole to attend his sister's wedding, while convicts in other cases are frequently granted parole.
The Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on the regular bail plea filed by Khalid and other accused in the Delhi riots conspiracy case. The Delhi Police has strongly opposed the bail pleas, arguing that the 2020 riots were a pre-planned attack on India's sovereignty.
