No Relief from Top Court: Bail Pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam Rejected

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday gave an important decision in the cases related to Delhi riots. The court refused to grant bail to student leaders Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. At the same time, five other accused got relief in the same case. The court clearly said that the role of every accused is not the same and the decision is taken on that basis.

Why were Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam not granted bail?

The court said that the allegations leveled against both of them are serious. His role in the case record appears different from that of the other accused. According to the court, the weight of the allegations against these two is high. For this reason he cannot be granted bail at present. On the other hand, the Supreme Court ordered bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa ur Rehman, Mohammad Salim Khan and Shadab Ahmed. The court believed that the circumstances in these cases are different and should be viewed from the same perspective.

What did the court say regarding bail?

The bench said that the role of every accused is different. Therefore, every bail petition should be looked at separately. Not everyone can be judged on the same basis.

What did the court say about Article 21?

The court said that personal freedom is important. But prolonged detention should also be seen in relation to the facts of the case. The case will be heard by Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice N. V. Anjaria's bench did this. Both the judges gave the verdict on all the petitions together.

Since when are Umar Khalid and Sharjeel in jail?

Umar Khalid is in jail since September 2020. He is in judicial custody since then. Whereas, Sharjeel Imam is in jail since January 2020. His arrest took place before the riots. UAPA has been imposed on all the accused. Many sections of IPC have also been added. The police have called them conspirators.

When did the Delhi riots happen?

Riots broke out in Northeast Delhi in February 2020. This violence continued for several days. 53 people died in the riots. More than 700 people were injured. Many houses and shops were burnt.

What did Police say in the court?

Delhi Police opposed the bail. Police said that the riots did not happen suddenly. This was completely planned.
At the same time, the lawyers said that the accused have been in jail for a long time. The trial has not started. Bail was sought on this basis.

What did the court make clear in its decision?

The court said that the role is most important. Every accused cannot be considered equal. The decision on bail will be taken on this basis. Earlier, the Supreme Court had reserved the decision on December 10. The arguments of all the parties were then completed.

What will be the further effect of this order?

Legal experts say that this order is important. This may set a new direction in bail matters. Now the trial process will be monitored.