Former JNU student Umar Khalid has withdrawn his bail plea from the Supreme Court in a case related to the northeast Delhi riots of February 2020. Khalid, along with others, faces charges under the anti-terror law UAPA. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Khalid, stated the withdrawal was due to a “change in circumstances” without providing details. The Supreme Court accepted the withdrawal, allowing Khalid to pursue his case in the trial court. Khalid had challenged the Delhi High Court’s October 18, 2022 order denying him bail, which stated he was in constant touch with co-accused, and the allegations against him were prima facie true. The high court deemed the actions of the accused as a “terrorist act” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Umar Khalid, along with Sharjeel Imam and others, has been accused of being the “masterminds” behind the riots during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens, resulting in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries. Khalid argued for bail, asserting no criminal role in the violence or conspiratorial connection with other accused. The Delhi Police opposed the bail plea, highlighting Khalid’s calculated speech addressing contentious issues like Babri Masjid, triple talaq, Kashmir, the alleged suppression of Muslims, and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens. Khalid was arrested by the Delhi Police in September 2020.

Source: PTI