Delhi Court Denies Bail to Activist Umar Khalid After Four Years in Detention

New Delhi, A Delhi court today refused the bail plea of Umar Khalid, a former scholar from Jawaharlal Nehru University and activist, who has been detained since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This decision comes amid ongoing legal challenges and claims of disproportionate allegations against Khalid connected to the North-East Delhi violence in February 2020.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Courts dismissed the bail application, highlighting continued opposition from Delhi Police. The authorities allege that Khalid attempted to influence public figures to promote his narrative related to the incidents. Despite arguments by Khalid’s defense that other accused individuals, facing more severe charges, have been granted bail, the court upheld its decision to keep Khalid in custody.

The legal proceedings have seen multiple delays, with Khalid’s representation in the Indian Supreme Court being postponed 14 times over his four-year incarceration. On February 14, 2024, his lawyer, Kapil Sibbal, withdrew the petition from the apex court to pursue relief through lower judicial avenues.