Court Urges End to Long Bail Hearings
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court expressed concern over the lengthy bail hearings for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others in the February 2020 riots case. The accused are charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur emphasized the need for a clear conclusion. “This has to end. This can’t go on like this,” Justice Chawla remarked.
Role Clarification Demanded
The court instructed the police to specify the roles of each accused in the alleged conspiracy. Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad requested additional time to file a detailed note on the matter. He highlighted that these were not simple bail pleas but appeals against previous refusals, requiring comprehensive arguments.
Allegations Against the Accused
The accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, are alleged to have masterminded the February 2020 violence, which resulted in 53 deaths and numerous injuries during anti-CAA and NRC protests.
Prosecutors claimed Sharjeel Imam’s speeches called for a “chakka jam” and were central to orchestrating protests, including the Shaheen Bagh sit-in. Statements from witnesses and evidence from WhatsApp groups allegedly pointed to planned violence.
Defense Cites Parity and Long Incarceration
Khalid and others challenged the denial of bail by citing their extended imprisonment and drawing parallels with co-accused who were granted bail.
Next Hearing Date
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 12, with the court urging all parties to conclude their arguments swiftly.
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