CPI(M) Criticizes Supreme Court's Denial of Bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned the Supreme Court's decision to deny bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, arguing that their prolonged detention under the UAPA violates natural justice principles. The party emphasizes that such extended pre-trial incarceration undermines constitutional rights to freedom and timely hearings. This ruling has raised significant concerns regarding the use of the UAPA to suppress dissenting voices. The Supreme Court's decision comes amidst ongoing debates about justice and the treatment of political prisoners, as it also granted bail to several others involved in related cases. Read on for a deeper insight into this unfolding legal battle.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 15:37 IST

CPI(M) Condemns Supreme Court's Ruling

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has expressed its disapproval of the Supreme Court's decision to deny bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The party argues that holding both individuals under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for over five years without trial or conviction violates the principles of natural justice. In a statement, CPI(M) emphasized that prolonged pre-trial detention undermines constitutional rights to freedom and prompt hearings, reiterating that 'bail is the norm, not jail.'

The party labeled the UAPA as a stringent law and accused authorities of using it to suppress dissenting voices.

Concerns Over Justice and Dissent

The Supreme Court's refusal to grant bail to Khalid and Imam, who have been incarcerated for more than five years without trial under the harsh UAPA, is seen as contrary to the principles of natural justice. The extended pre-trial detention violates the fundamental principle that bail should be the standard, not imprisonment, and it weakens the constitutional rights to freedom and timely hearings. The ongoing application of the UAPA to target dissenting voices reflects a troubling pattern of oppression and selective justice. The CPI(M) reiterated its call for the release of all political prisoners.

Recent Developments in the Case

This situation arose following the Supreme Court's recent decision to deny bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with an alleged major conspiracy linked to the 2020 North East Delhi riots. However, the court did grant bail to Gulfiya Fatima, Meeraan Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohammad Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad.