Umar Khalid after Supreme Court denies bail: ‘Really happy for the others, who got bail’

Umar Khalid after Supreme Court denies bail: ‘Really happy for the others, who got bail’

New Delhi : Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid on Monday reacted calmly after the Supreme Court declined to grant him bail in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, saying he was “really happy” for other accused who were granted relief by the court.

Khalid, who has been in judicial custody since September 2020 under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), made the remarks after the apex court delivered its order on a batch of bail pleas related to the Delhi riots case. While the court granted bail to some co-accused, it chose not to extend the same relief to Khalid, citing the seriousness of the allegations against him.

Speaking through his counsel and later conveyed by supporters, Khalid said that although he was disappointed by the decision, he welcomed the fact that others had finally secured their freedom after prolonged incarceration. “I am really happy for the others who got bail. They deserve to be out with their families,” he said, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Supreme Court, while hearing the pleas, observed that bail decisions must be considered individually based on the role attributed to each accused and the material on record. The bench noted that Khalid’s case would require a deeper examination of evidence at a later stage, leaving open the possibility of future legal remedies.

Umar Khalid is among several activists, students and political figures accused of being part of an alleged conspiracy behind the communal violence that erupted in northeast Delhi in February 2020, which claimed at least 53 lives and injured hundreds. The Delhi Police have alleged that the violence was pre-planned and orchestrated, a charge consistently denied by Khalid and other accused.

Khalid has repeatedly maintained his innocence, asserting that he is being targeted for his political views and activism. His legal team has argued that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on selective statements and lacks concrete evidence linking him directly to acts of violence.

The denial of bail has once again sparked debate over the use of UAPA and prolonged pre-trial detention. Civil rights groups and opposition leaders have expressed concern over the length of incarceration without trial, while the prosecution has defended its stance, citing national security and public order concerns.

Supporters of Khalid took to social media to express disappointment over the court’s decision, while also welcoming the bail granted to other accused. Hashtags related to bail, civil liberties, and the Delhi riots case trended online following the verdict.

Legal experts say the case underscores the complexities involved in bail hearings under special laws like UAPA, where the threshold for granting relief is significantly higher than in ordinary criminal cases. Khalid’s lawyers are expected to explore further legal options, including seeking bail again after further progress in the trial.

As the case continues, Khalid remains in jail, even as he publicly acknowledged the relief granted to others, striking a conciliatory note amid a prolonged legal battle.