Overview
- Justices Aravind Kumar and N. V. Anjaria heard senior advocate Siddharth Luthra argue for accused Shadab Ahmed, asserting that organising or joining protests is not a crime.
- Defence submissions said the case against Ahmed is largely circumstantial and leans on two protected witnesses codenamed Radium and Sodium, with no direct link to violence.
- Shadab Ahmed has been in custody since April 6, 2020 under the UAPA, with counsel highlighting more than five years of pre-trial detention.
- Accused including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam told the court they were notified that the investigation had concluded only on September 4, 2024.
- Delhi Police opposed bail, describing the 2020 violence as a pre-planned conspiracy that resulted in 53 deaths, and the bench listed further hearing for November 10.