SC Denies Bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam in Delhi Riots Case: 'Central to Conspiracy'

• Supreme Court rejected bail for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing their "central role in the conspiracy."
• The court found a prima facie case against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), noting their roles in "planning and organisation."
• Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria stated Khalid and Imam "stand on a qualitatively different footing" from other accused, applying UAPA's stringent Section 43D(5).
• The bench emphasized that national security offenses require a distinct bail regime, and "terrorist acts" include disruption of essential services, not just physical violence.
• While denying bail, the court allowed them to apply again after protected witness examination or one year, and granted bail to five other accused: Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad.

Why It Matters: SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam in Delhi riots, citing central conspiracy role under UAPA.