Overview

• A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N. V. Anjaria issued notice to Delhi Police and listed the consolidated bail challenges for October 7.
• The petitions by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima and Shifa-ur-Rehman contest the Delhi High Court’s September 2 refusal of bail.
• Senior lawyers pressed for expedited consideration and interim bail, urging a hearing before Diwali, as the accused have spent over five years in custody.
• The Supreme Court acknowledged recent delays, including a bench partner’s recusal and late receipt of voluminous records, before proceeding to issue notice.
• Police allege a premeditated ‘larger conspiracy’ under UAPA in the February 2020 violence that left 53 dead and hundreds injured, while the defence cites parity with co-accused granted bail earlier.