New Delhi, Dec 10 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on the bail petitions filed by six accused, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shadab Ahmed, and Mohd Saleem Khan in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case of 2020.
A Bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice NV Anjaria concluded the extensive hearing. It directed the parties to compile and submit all documents by December 18, making it clear that the Court intends to decide the matter before the winter recess beginning December 19.
During the hearing, ASG SV Raju, appearing for the Delhi Police, argued that the acts of one conspirator could be attributed to others, submitting that Sharjeel Imam’s speeches could be considered as evidence against Umar Khalid as well.
When the ASG placed reliance on a separate 2016 FIR filed over alleged “tukde-tukde” slogans at JNU, the Bench questioned its relevance.
“Why are you showing a prior FIR for riots that happened in 2020? What has it got to do with it?” the Bench asked.
The Court also expressed concern over the excessive number of documents being handed over by both sides.
“Your instructing counsel seems to have adopted a policy either to convince the judge or confuse the judge,” Justice Kumar remarked.
Directing both parties to file a single, consolidated compilation of all materials, the Bench said the exercise must be completed by December 18.
ASG Raju submitted that the prosecution was not responsible for delays and that the accused could not insist on waiting for further evidence.
He also alleged that Umar Khalid deliberately left Delhi before the riots to distance himself from the events.
The accused used encrypted platforms and migrated to Signal on March 11, 2020.
Khalid and others were key figures in the Delhi Protest Support Group (DPSG), with communications later deleted.
The conspiracy began much earlier, and speeches formed part of the evidence indicating intent.
On the applicability of UAPA Section 15 (terrorist act), the Bench asked how speeches could be linked to violent acts.
The ASG responded, “Speech led to action. Their speech reveals that economic security would be affected. The conspiracy was to use petrol bombs and cause widespread incidents.”
The accused have challenged the Delhi High Court’s September 2 order denying them bail. The Supreme Court issued notice on their petitions on September 22.
The case relates to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots, which resulted in 53 deaths and hundreds were injuries.
The FIR was registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell under the IPC and UAPA, alleging a coordinated plan to trigger riots on communal lines.
Khalid was arrested in September 2020, charged with criminal conspiracy, rioting, and UAPA offences, and Imam faces multiple FIRs across several States.
Delhi Police claims the accused planned a “regime-change operation” under the guise of anti-CAA protests.
The accused maintain they were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Across previous dates, the Delhi Police argued that the riots were pre-planned, not spontaneous, and that speeches were aimed at dividing society.
On the other hand, the accused argued they never called for violence and sought parity with the co-accused, granted bail earlier by the High Court, a contention the police opposed.
With arguments concluded, the Supreme Court will deliver its verdict after receiving compiled documents on December 18.
The matter is expected to be decided before the Court closes for winter vacation on December 19.
