SC Denies Bail to Khalid, Imam; Redefines 'Terror Act' Under UAPA, Shakes Bail Norms

• Supreme Court denied bail to Delhi riots accused Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, surprising many given their five-year pre-trial detention.
• The Court ruled that prima facie material affecting national security overrides prolonged incarceration, despite earlier rulings on trial delays.
• A key aspect of the judgment is the expanded definition of a 'terrorist act' under UAPA, including threats to society without physical violence and disruption of essential services.
• The SC stated that conspiracy and abetment leading to disruption of essential supplies can constitute a terrorist act, even without direct violence.
• This ruling suggests that even peaceful protests like a 'chakka jam' could attract UAPA if intended to disrupt essential services and destabilize civic life, redefining lawful dissent.

Why It Matters: SC's bail denial for Khalid, Imam redefines terror acts under UAPA, impacting future dissent.