Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Umar Khalid for Family Wedding

Umar Khalid gets bail.

In a significant development, a Delhi court has granted interim bail to former JNU scholar Umar Khalid in connection with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case alleging a larger conspiracy related to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. 

Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Court approved Khalid’s bail for a period of seven days to attend a family wedding, subject to strict conditions.

Khalid, who has been in custody under FIR 59 of 2020 filed by Delhi Police’s Special Cell, had sought permission to participate in his first cousin’s wedding ceremonies. His application detailed events such as the haldi and mehendi functions on December 30 and 31, the nikah on January 1 at Masjid Ishaat Islam in Abul Fazal Enclave, and a dinner in Kalindi Kunj. Khalid also emphasized his wish to meet relatives, including his sister traveling from the United States, while clarifying that he would not attend the reception in Nagpur.

The court’s order grants Khalid temporary relief from the morning of December 28 until the evening of January 3, 2025, on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 20,000. The bail conditions stipulate that he shall only meet family members, relatives, and friends and must remain at his home or at the venues of the marriage ceremonies. Additionally, Khalid is prohibited from contacting witnesses or individuals connected with the case and from using social media during this period.

Khalid’s case remains contentious, with allegations linking him and others to a pre-planned conspiracy to instigate riots in Northeast Delhi from February 23 to February 25, 2020. The charges against him include violations under the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Arms Act, and the UAPA. The accused in the case comprise several prominent activists and scholars, including Tahir Hussain, Sharjeel Imam, Safoora Zargar, and Natasha Narwal.

This interim bail comes amidst Khalid’s pending appeal against the rejection of his second regular bail plea by the trial court earlier this year. His earlier bail plea was denied by the Delhi High Court in October 2022. Khalid had approached the Supreme Court following the rejection but later withdrew his Special Leave Petition (SLP). Meanwhile, his legal team has argued that he has already served a substantial portion of the sentence associated with some of the charges.

The court’s decision highlights the complexities of granting relief in high-profile cases. While allowing Khalid to attend a family wedding, the conditions ensure that the ongoing investigation remains unaffected. As the legal proceedings continue, the interim bail reflects a temporary balance between personal liberty and judicial prudence.