Supreme Court to hear bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others in 2020 Delhi riots case. Critics question delays and government’s handling under UAPA.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear on Monday the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, and Gulfisha Fatima in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.

The hearing, earlier set for September 12 and 19, was again postponed, raising fresh questions about delays in delivering justice. Senior lawyers, including Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, are representing the petitioners.

The accused face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which critics say the government has been misusing to keep students, activists, and political dissenters behind bars for years without trial.

The Delhi High Court had earlier rejected their bail pleas, citing speeches that were allegedly communal and linked to mobilizing crowds. But many argue that such evidence is weak and that the prolonged custody highlights how draconian laws like UAPA are weaponized to silence dissent.

The 2020 violence, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured, broke out during anti-CAA protests. While the government blames “planned conspiracy,” rights groups insist that the arrests are politically motivated.

As the case drags on, the question remains: Is justice being served, or is the government using delay and harsh laws to punish its critics without trial?