There is no proof linking us to Delhi riots, Umar Khalid and others tell SC
SECURITY
1 NOVEMBER 2025
- Activists Umar Khalid, Gulfisha Fatima and Sharjeel Imam told the Supreme Court that they had been in jail for over five years without any evidence to show their involvement in the February 2020 Delhi riots, and said the continued incarceration amounted to “punishment without trial”.
- A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria was hearing the bail pleas of the three activists, along with Meeran Haider and Shifa-ur-Rehman, in the larger conspiracy case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
- The accused have assailed the Delhi High Court’s order denying them bail.
- Appearing for Mr. Khalid, senior advocate Kapil Sibal submitted that while 751 FIRs had been registered in connection with the riots, his client was named in only one.
- He said Mr. Khalid was not in Delhi when the violence broke out and there had been no recovery of incriminating material from him.
- Appearing for Ms. Fatima, senior advocate A.M. Singhvi submitted that such “inordinate delay” in completing the trial was a “fatal flaw” in the prosecution’s case and emphasised that judicial precedents “must be operationalised”.
- He said Ms. Fatima was the only woman still in custody in the case.
- Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Mr. Sharjeel Imam, said his client never called for violence.
- Additional Solicitor-General S.V. Raju is expected to argue for the Delhi Police opposing the bail pleas.
