SC Denies Bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam for a Year in Delhi Riots Case

• Supreme Court rejected bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots 'larger conspiracy' case.
• They cannot file new bail applications for at least one year, or until protected witness testimonies are completed.
• The court cited the seriousness of charges and their "central role" in the alleged conspiracy for denying bail.
• Five other accused (Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Mohammad Saleem Khan, Shadab Ahmed) were granted bail due to their "ancillary roles."
• SC emphasized individual assessment under UAPA, noting a "hierarchical structure" of involvement, and that prolonged incarceration alone isn't a bail ground.

Why It Matters: SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam for a year, citing their central role in Delhi riots conspiracy.