The Supreme Court on Thursday (November 20, 2025) heard the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others accused in the Northeast Delhi riots of 2020.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, arguing for Delhi Police, said that nowadays the trend has that doctors, engineers are not doing their professions but engaging in anti-national activities. ASG Raju said to secure their goals, Umar Khalid and Imam broke the secure fabric of JNU and also used and instigated the students of Jamia.
A video of Mr. Imam’s speech was played in the Court, and Mr. Raju said his speeches instigated the riots, thus causing violence.
When Judge Kumar asked the ASG to address the evidence in the case to discuss merits of the bail pleas, Mr. Raju said no accused has sought bail on the merits of the case. “They are banking on the ground of delay in trial to get bail,” he added.
The court was hearing the police’s response to bail pleas filed by former JNU student leader Umar Khalid and his co-accused Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rahman, Mohd. Saleem Khan and Gulfisha Fatima in the Delhi riots ‘larger conspiracy’ case. They are facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for conspiring to instigate communal riots and armed rebellion. Khalid has been incarcerated for five years now.
