Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Delhi Riots Bail

The India — Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on the bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others, who are accused in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case related to the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots. The India — Delhi Police strongly opposed the bail, arguing that the riots were a pre-planned attack on India's sovereignty. The accused challenged the India — Delhi High Court's September 2, 2022 order denying them bail. The violence, which resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries, occurred during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The activists are charged under UAPA and Indian Penal Code provisions, with investigators alleging they were the 'masterminds' who mobilized resources and disseminated inflammatory messages. The defense argued that the prosecution's evidence relies on vague and politically motivated claims, and that their actions fall within lawful dissent.