DELHI HIGH COURT DENIES BAIL TO UMAR KHALID AND SHARJEEL IMAM IN 2020 RIOTS CASE

September 30, 2026

The Delhi High Court has rejected the bail pleas of former Jawaharlal Nehru University student Umar Khalid and activist Sharjeel Imam in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act case linked to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.

A division bench of the High Court declined to grant relief to the two accused, who have been in custody in connection with the wider conspiracy case arising from the violence that erupted in parts of the national capital in February 2020.

The prosecution has alleged that Khalid and Imam were part of a broader conspiracy behind the riots and that their activities and speeches contributed to the mobilisation that preceded the violence. Both have denied the allegations and have challenged the prosecution’s case against them.

The case concerns charges under the UAPA along with provisions of the Indian Penal Code and other laws. Investigators have alleged that the violence was connected to a larger conspiracy, while the accused have maintained that their prosecution is based on their political and public activities rather than evidence establishing criminal responsibility for the riots.

The High Court’s decision means that Khalid and Imam will remain in custody as the proceedings in the case continue. The ruling comes after prolonged legal proceedings over bail applications filed by several accused in the case.

The 2020 northeast Delhi riots resulted in deaths, injuries and extensive damage to property. The larger conspiracy case continues to be examined by the courts, with the evidence and allegations against individual accused to be considered during the judicial proceedings.