The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved its decision on the bail plea filed by Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, accused of conspiring to incite the 2020 Delhi riots. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Delhi Police, strongly opposed the plea.
SG Mehta argued that the case involved a “well-planned and organised conspiracy” aimed at harming India’s global image. “Those who act against the nation belong in jail. This is not an ordinary bail plea,” he told the court.
He alleged that Khalid and Imam deliberately selected a sensitive time to provoke violence and attract international media attention. Mehta also highlighted that the investigation into the riots was one of the most thorough to date, with 58 witness statements recorded under Section 164 CrPC.
SG Mehta claimed that Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima, and others were coordinating through WhatsApp groups. He said the chats revealed ongoing communication about protest sites and strategic planning.
Mehta maintained that the accused intended to divide the country on religious lines and incite unrest. He argued that such acts disqualify the accused from receiving bail, given their “dangerous motive”.
The High Court will hear the bail plea of another accused, Shadab Ahmed, on July 10. The bench has asked Delhi Police to respond to Ahmed’s argument that he already secured bail in another FIR and that protected witnesses gave conflicting statements.
Earlier, advocate Trideep Pais, appearing for Umar Khalid, said Khalid was part of three WhatsApp groups but sent very few messages. He argued that mere group membership does not imply guilt. Pais added that Khalid had only shared a protest location when asked.
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