Delhi HC Rejects Bail Pleas Of Umar Khalid And Sharjeel Imam In 2020 Delhi Riots Case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday rejected the bail pleas of student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the case concerning the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 North-East Delhi riots. The court’s decision came after the Supreme Court had earlier imposed conditions governing when the two could seek bail.

Court Cites Supreme Court Conditions

A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Dinesh Bhatt said it was bound by the Supreme Court’s January 2026 order and could not modify the conditions imposed on Khalid and Imam.

The Supreme Court had directed that they could seek bail either after the examination of protected witnesses was completed or after one year from the date of its order, whichever was earlier. The High Court said it was bound by judicial discipline while considering the fresh pleas.

The latest proceedings followed the rejection of their bail applications by the trial court on July 4, 2026. Khalid subsequently challenged the order before the High Court, while Imam also approached the court.

What Is The 2020 Delhi Riots Case?

Khalid and Imam are among those accused in a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) over an alleged larger conspiracy linked to the February 2020 riots in North-East Delhi.

The violence during February 2020 left dozens of people dead and hundreds injured. The prosecution alleges that the riots were part of a larger conspiracy connected with protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The case was investigated by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell. Other accused include activist Khalid Saifi and former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain.

Delhi Police Opposed Bail Pleas

The Delhi Police opposed the bail applications and alleged that Khalid and Imam played a central role in the alleged conspiracy. The prosecution’s allegations regarding their roles have been recorded in earlier court proceedings; the allegations remain subject to the trial.

The Delhi High Court’s latest decision does not amount to a finding of guilt. The criminal case remains pending, and the allegations against the accused will have to be established through the judicial process.

When Were Umar Khalid And Sharjeel Imam Arrested?

Sharjeel Imam was arrested in the case in August 2020, while Umar Khalid was arrested in September 2020. Both have remained in custody in connection with the case.

The Supreme Court’s January 2026 proceedings also dealt with the bail applications of several other accused in the larger conspiracy case and set conditions specifically relevant to Khalid and Imam.