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Supreme Court to Rule on Bail of 7 Accused in 2020 Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case on Jan. 5

The court will address whether protest-related speech can be treated as terrorism under the UAPA.

Overview

  • A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N. V. Anjaria will deliver the judgment after reserving it on December 10.
  • The pleas were filed by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa ur Rehman, Shadab Ahmed and Mohd Saleem Khan, all charged under the UAPA.
  • Delhi Police opposed bail, calling the riots an orchestrated regime-change operation and citing speeches, WhatsApp chats and the principle that acts of one conspirator attach to others.
  • Defence counsel highlighted years-long pre-trial custody—Imam since January 28, 2020 and Khalid since September 13, 2020—and questioned the fit with Section 15 on terrorist acts.
  • The Delhi High Court denied bail on September 2, 2025, finding a prima facie UAPA case; the Supreme Court causelist confirms the January 5 pronouncement.