On Monday, the Supreme Court of India instructed the Delhi Police to respond to the bail applications of activists Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and three others charged in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots. These five individuals have been in custody for over five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The petitioners contended that their lengthy detention constitutes punishment without trial, as the legal proceedings are still ongoing. Their attorneys urged the Supreme Court to consider granting them interim bail before Diwali, emphasizing their status as student activists and drawing comparisons to other defendants who have already been granted bail.
Previously, the Delhi High Court had rejected their bail requests, stating that their involvement in the alleged conspiracy was significant and that they had incited protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which, according to police, led to communal violence.