**SC Issues Notice on Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Bail Pleas**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 22, 2025, 05:23 PM*
The Supreme Court has issued notices regarding the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider. The accused are seeking relief in a larger conspiracy case registered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) related to the 2020 North East Delhi riots.
A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria took up the matter after earlier proceedings were stalled due to Justice Manmohan’s recusal.
**Bail Plea Details**
The accused have been in custody for over three years, which their legal counsel emphasized during the hearing. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Umar Khalid, urged the court to expedite the hearing before Diwali, hoping for their possible release by then.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi highlighted Gulfisha Fatima’s status as a student who has been incarcerated for more than three years, emphasizing the need for relief.
**Previous Ruling by Delhi High Court**
On September 2, the Delhi High Court rejected the bail pleas of Khalid and others. The court observed that the accused appeared to have played “prima facie grave” roles in a premeditated conspiracy behind the riots.
The 2020 North East Delhi riots resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries. According to allegations by the Delhi Police, these activists were among the “intellectual architects” of the violence during the protests.
**Seeking Parity with Other Activists**
The accused have also sought parity with activists Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, and Asif Iqbal Tanha, who were granted bail in June 2021. However, the Delhi High Court had distinguished those cases from that of Khalid and Imam.
The court noted that while protesting is constitutionally protected, the alleged conspiratorial violence attributed to Khalid and Imam appeared to be “prima facie” more serious in nature.
The Supreme Court’s notice marks a significant development in this high-profile case, and all eyes are now on the upcoming proceedings.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/sc-issues-notice-in-bail-pleas-by-umar-khalid-others/story