Overview

• The case has been hampered by judicial transfers, with ASJ Lalit Kumar replacing ASJ Sameer Bajpai and directing a fresh start to arguments on charges
• Both defence counsel for 18 accused and special public prosecutors must submit time frames for their charge submissions ahead of the next hearing on June 6
• Accused figures include activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Natasha Narwal and former councillor Tahir Hussain, all charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for an alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 anti-CAA protests
• Despite nearly five years passing since the first chargesheet in November 2020, the trial remains pending even as authorities manage a 17,000-page dossier and 47 protected witnesses
• Defence lawyers warn that restarting arguments from scratch may push final orders on charge into next year and bolster ongoing bail appeals at the Delhi High Court