Delhi Police Invoke 'Intellectual Terrorists' Argument to Oppose Bail in 2020 Riots Case at Supreme Court

Overview

• Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the Delhi Police, opposed bail for Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others, saying educated 'intellectuals' who turn to terrorism are more dangerous than ground operatives.
• The prosecution screened video excerpts of Imam’s 2019–20 speeches, citing calls for a 'chakka jam' and references to the 'chicken’s neck' corridor as evidence of direction and intent.
• Raju contended that the CAA protests were a 'red herring' for a plan to cause unrest and regime change, alleging the February 2020 violence was timed with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit.
• Defence counsel argued the clips were selectively edited from longer speeches, asserted the accused exercised constitutional protest rights, and urged bail on grounds of prolonged trial delay and parity with earlier co-accused who obtained bail.
• The case carries UAPA and other charges; Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria will continue hearing the bail pleas on Friday, with no new bail orders reported.