Opposition leaders on Monday (January 5, 2026) raised questions over the Supreme Court denying bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, while pointing out that rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been repeatedly granted parole.
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In a post on X, Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas said, "The principle that 'bail is the rule, jail the exception' clearly does not apply when it comes to certain individuals." "No bail to Umar Khalid — detained for over 5 years under the draconian UAPA, with the trial yet to even begin. Pre-trial jail is not a punishment!!" Mr. Brittas said.
Jail is my life now; happy for others who got bail: Umar Khalid after SC denies bail
"Meanwhile, convicted rapist and murderer Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh (sentenced in 2017) has just been granted yet another 40-day parole — his 15th temporary release from prison since conviction. One languishes indefinitely without trial. The other enjoys repeated 'jail vacations' on demand," he said.
