New Delhi, May 21: Umar Khalid, the former JNU student leader arrested under the UAPA for his alleged involvement in the 2020 Delhi riots, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking interim bail. He is contesting the decision made by the Karkardooma Court, which had previously denied his bail application.
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear Khalid’s plea for interim bail on Thursday. He has requested a 15-day interim bail to attend the Chehlum of his late uncle and to care for his ill mother.
Earlier, the Karkardooma Court rejected his application, stating that the reasons provided for interim bail were neither adequate nor satisfactory.
In his arguments before the lower court, Khalid pointed out that he has a father, mother, and five sisters, but his 71-year-old father is unable to care for his mother. He mentioned that four of his sisters are married and live separately. As the eldest son, he claimed he is the only one capable of providing care for his mother before and after her surgery.
The application also highlighted that Khalid has previously been granted interim bail multiple times and has complied with all court conditions, surrendering on time each time.
The defense further argued that co-accused Tasleem Ahmed, Shifa Ur Rahman, and Athar Khan were granted interim bail on similar familial grounds, thus Khalid should also receive similar relief based on equality.
Conversely, the prosecution opposed the bail plea, alleging that the accused is attempting to exploit the court’s leniency. They argued that attending the Chehlum does not qualify as a valid reason since it does not fall under the category of close relatives, and other family members can fulfill this obligation. Additionally, they downplayed the seriousness of the mother’s surgery, asserting that other family members could provide care.
Currently, Umar Khalid remains in judicial custody in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
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