Umar Khalid, the student activist and former JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) leader, was granted interim bail by a Delhi court on Thursday in February 2020 riots larger conspiracy case, to attend his sister’s wedding. Umar Khalid is booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) anti-terror law and provisions of the erstwhile IPC for allegedly being the “masterminds” of the 2020 riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.
Interim bail granted from December 16-29.
Khalid had sought temporary relief from the Karkardooma Court, citing family commitments. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai allowed the request after noting the purpose and limited duration of the bail, reported LiveLaw.
The wedding is scheduled on December 27, news agency ANI reported.
Khalid directed not to use social media, or contact any witness
During his time out of custody, Khalid has been directed not to use social media, or contact any witness.
The court has allowed him to only meet his family members, relatives and friends. Additionally, ASJ Sameer Bajpai has directed Khalid to remain at his home or at the places where the ceremonies of marriage will take place.
The interim bail, however, does not affect the broader proceedings in the larger conspiracy case. Khalid is facing charges related to alleged planning and coordination of protests and violence in February 2020, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.
His regular bail pleas have previously been rejected by both the trial court and the Delhi High Court, and a petition is pending before the Supreme Court.
‘February 2020 riots a well-designed’ attack on India’s sovereignty: Delhi Police
During a hearing of his bail in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the Delhi Police, while strongly objecting his plea, had said the February 2020 riots were not something spontaneous, but an “orchestrated, pre-planned and well-designed” attack on India’s sovereignty.
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria later reserved its verdict on bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others in the UAPA case.
Umar, Sharjeel and other accused were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) anti-terror law and provisions of the erstwhile IPC for allegedly being the “masterminds” of the 2020 riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.
Besides Khalid, activist Sharjeel Imam and others are charged in the UAPA case related to the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 riots in Delhi.
The violence erupted during widespread protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The accused have moved the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s September 2 order denying them bail in the “larger conspiracy” case of the February 2020 riots.