The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Friday (September 12, 2025) the petitions filed by student activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima and Meeran Haider challenging a Delhi High Court order denying them bail in a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 riots in Delhi.
A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria is slated to hear the bail pleas.
Earlier, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur had denied bail to nine accused, ruling that the riots were not “a regular protest” but a “premeditated, well-orchestrated conspiracy.”
Also read: Umar Khalid | Activist behind bars
In its order, the High Court observed: “If the exercise of an unfettered right to protest were permitted, it would damage the constitutional framework and impinge upon law and order. Conspiratorial violence under the garb of protests cannot be permitted.” The court further held that the role of the accused appeared “prima facie grave,” citing inflammatory speeches delivered to incite communal mobilisation.
