‘Qualitatively different’: Supreme Court shuts bail door on Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam in Delhi riots case

Khalid and Imam are accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the alleged “larger conspiracy” behind the communal violence that erupted in North East Delhi.

A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria rejected their bail pleas, citing material on record indicating their involvement in a criminal conspiracy.

The court said it was satisfied with the prosecution’s submissions suggesting a prima facie case against the two accused.

However, the apex court granted bail to five other accused — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad — observing that all accused could not be treated alike.

“Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam stand on a qualitatively different footing as compared to other accused,” the bench said, as quoted by NDTV, adding that “the hierarchy of participation requires the court to assess each application individually.”

The accused had approached the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court order that denied them bail. They later filed special leave petitions against the High Court’s decision.

The apex court had reserved its judgment on December 10, 2025.

The violence had broken out in the national capital during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), leaving 53 people dead and more than 700 injured.