New Delhi, Sep 22 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notice on bail pleas filed by UAPA accused Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, and Shifa-ur-Rehman in the 2020 Delhi Riots larger conspiracy case.
A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice N.V. Anjaria took up the matter after it was deferred last week. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Gulfisha Fatima, while Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal represented another accused.
During the hearing, Singhvi urged the Court to also consider interim bail for Fatima, highlighting that she has been in custody for five years.
The bench, however, directed that notice be issued “by all modes” and fixed the matter for hearing on October 7.
All five accused have filed Special Leave Petitions challenging the Delhi High Court’s September 2 order denying them bail.
The High Court, in its 133-page verdict, had held that “violence in the name of protest is not free speech” and described the role of Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid as prima facie grave.
The Court had observed that they delivered inflammatory speeches on communal lines to instigate mass mobilisation.
The plea of parity with co-accused was also rejected, noting that their role was not comparable to others in meetings and WhatsApp groups.
The case stems from the communal violence in Northeast Delhi in February 2020 during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which left 53 dead and thousands injured.
Umar Khalid, named in FIR 59/2020 as a central conspirator, is accused of planning and radicalising protests leading to violence.
Sharjeel Imam is accused of delivering provocative speeches and mobilising protests that escalated into violence.
Gulfisha Fatima, arrested April 9, 2020, is accused of initiating a blockade in Jafrabad and participating in secret meetings; charged under UAPA and IPC provisions.
Meeran Haider, arrested on April 1, 2020, is accused of organising protests that contributed to violence.
Shifa-ur-Rehman is President of Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association, and accused of financing protest sites and conspiring to escalate protests into riots.
The Supreme Court will hear the matter next on October 7, 2025.
