In a significant verdict concerning the 2020 Delhi riots, the Supreme Court on Monday, January 5, 2026, denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam while granting relief to five other accused. The decision emphasizes the importance of national security and public order considerations, which the court said outweigh claims of prolonged pre-trial incarceration.
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria delivered the judgment, addressing the bail pleas of multiple individuals implicated in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the riots. The court granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed.
The Supreme Court stated that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to indicate Khalid and Imam's involvement in the alleged criminal conspiracy, justifying the denial of bail. The court noted a "structural distinction" in the roles of Khalid and Imam compared to the other accused, both in the prosecution's narrative and the evidentiary basis. The court reasoned that this difference could not be ignored when determining culpability, parity, or the applicability of penal provisions. The court further clarified that the statutory threshold for denying bail under the law is attracted in their case and the present stage of proceedings does not justify their release on bail. The Supreme Court also added that Khalid and Imam can pray for bail after one year.
The case stems from the 2020 riots in North East Delhi, which followed clashes over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Khalid, Imam, and others are accused in a larger conspiracy case connected to the riots. They face charges including criminal conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly, and offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The accused had challenged a Delhi High Court order from September 2 that denied them bail. The Delhi Police have argued that delays in the trial are attributable to the accused and that the trial could conclude within two years if they cooperate. The Delhi High Court had previously observed that the role of Imam and Khalid in the conspiracy was "grave," citing inflammatory speeches made to instigate mass mobilization within the Muslim community.
The Supreme Court laid out roughly 12 conditions for the bail granted to Fatima, Haider, Rehman, Khan and Ahmed. The court stated that any violation of these conditions would allow the trial court to cancel their bail after a hearing.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General SV Raju represented the Delhi Police, while senior advocates including Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi represented the accused.
