Image Source: Hindustantimes
New Delhi, January 5, 2026: The Supreme Court of India has denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the “larger conspiracy” case linked to the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots. This ruling follows their appeal against the Delhi High Court’s September 2025 order, which had also rejected their bail.
The verdict emphasizes India’s strict approach under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, UAPA, especially in high-profile cases involving public unrest.
Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Verdict
Bail Denied for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria rejected the bail pleas. The court observed that the accused are on a “qualitatively different footing” due to their alleged central role in planning the riots in Delhi.
Prima Facie Case Under UAPA
The court noted that prosecution evidence discloses a prima facie case under UAPA, which sets a high statutory threshold for bail. This emphasizes the strict legal framework in India for cases affecting national security or public order.
Bail Granted to Co-Accused
While Khalid and Imam remain in custody, bail was granted to five other accused:
- Gulfisha Fatima
- Meeran Haider
- Shifa ur Rehman
- Mohammad Saleem Khan
- Shadab Ahmed
Trial Delays Are Not Sufficient for Bail
The court acknowledged that the accused have been in custody for over five years, but clarified that trial delays do not automatically entitle UAPA accused to bail in India.
Background: The 2020 Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case
After the riots broke out in February 2020, Delhi Police registered multiple FIRs. In many of these, including the so-called “larger conspiracy” case, Khalid, Imam, and others were named for allegedly facilitating protests and communications that incited or contributed to the violence.
The arrests were made under UAPA, a counter-terror law that makes bail more difficult to obtain because it requires courts to be satisfied that the case, on its face, does not merit continued detention. This was a central legal issue throughout the bail hearings.
Umar Khalid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader, and Sharjeel Imam, known for speeches against CAA and NRC, have repeatedly sought bail in various courts since 2020, citing prolonged pre-trial detention without trial. But both lower courts and the Supreme Court have consistently denied their pleas until now.
What the Supreme Court Verdict Means
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam remain in custody as the trial proceeds.
Bail for five other co-accused shows the court differentiates between central and peripheral roles in the conspiracy.
Reinforces that UAPA cases in India are treated strictly, especially when they involve national security, riots, or public order.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s Jan 5, 2026 verdict in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case marks a key judicial moment: bail denied for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam under stringent anti-terror legislation, while five other accused were granted bail. The decision reflects the court’s differentiated assessment of individual culpability and its approach to handling complex conspiracy allegations under UAPA. Continued legal battles and public discourse are expected as the trial proceeds.
FAQs
Q1. Why were Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam denied bail?
A1: The court found prima facie evidence under UAPA and said their central role in the 2020 Delhi riots made them ineligible for bail.
Q2. Who got bail in the 2020 delhi riot case, and why?
A2: Five co-accused—Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa ur Rehman, Mohammad Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed—were granted bail because the court found their roles were peripheral, and prima facie evidence against them was weaker compared to Khalid and Imam.
Q3. Does trial delay guarantee bail under UAPA?
A3: No. The Supreme Court clarified that delay in trial is not an automatic reason for bail, even if the accused have been in custody for years.
Q4. What is the background of the 2020 Delhi Riot case?
A4: The case involves alleged conspiracy behind the northeast Delhi riots in February 2020, which occurred during anti-CAA protests. Charges include UAPA and IPC sections.
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