Bharat Express

UAPA

Activist Umar Khalid, jailed since September 2020, has once again sought bail in connection with the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. Khalid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Bhat was arrested in October 2021 based on an NIA FIR, accusing him of supporting terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hijab-ul-Mujahideen (HM), and Al Badr

The National Conference (NC), expressing disapproval of the decision, emphasized the importance of protecting the fundamental right to free speech for every citizen, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.

After reviewing all the facts, the court concluded that there was no merit in the application at this stage and consequently dismissed it.

Imam had requested release based on the fact that he had already served half of the seven-year maximum sentence.

Khalid has been booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and has been in jail since September 2020.

Sadiya Anwar Shaikh, a journalism student, received a 7-year sentence for her strong alignment with ISIS ideology.

Critics argue that the ban on PFI raises concerns about freedom of association and expression, as well as the potential for misuse of anti-terrorism laws to suppress dissent.

According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the organisation and its members were engaged in secessionist and anti-national activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the hearing, Delhi Police told the court that the trial court did not follow proper procedure and the FIR contained sensitive details.