The Supreme Court on Monday refused bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 north-east Delhi riots. However, the court granted bail to five others — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad. Reacting to the verdict, Shifa Ur Rehman’s wife welcomed the decision and thanked the legal team for their efforts. Speaking to ANI, she expressed hope that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam would also be granted bail soon.

Earlier, lawyer Sarim Javed, who represents Gulfisha Fatima, described the bail order as a “huge relief” for the accused and their families. He said the Supreme Court observed that the involvement of the five who were granted bail appeared to be limited. He also noted that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, whose bail was denied, have the option to apply again after one year. According to Javed, the court did not comment on the guilt of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam but said that, given the nature of the case and the application of constitutional and UAPA provisions, the prosecution should be given another year to present protected witnesses. If that does not happen, the two accused may seek bail again.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court said Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam stand on a “qualitatively different footing” from the other accused, with evidence suggesting they played a central role in the alleged offences. While their detention has been lengthy, the court held that it does not violate constitutional limits or override existing legal restrictions.

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others were arrested in January 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots, which broke out during protests against the proposed Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens. The violence resulted in 53 deaths and more than 700 injuries.