Supreme Court Denies Bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in Delhi Riots Case

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are accused in a conspiracy linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. Meanwhile, five other defendants have been granted bail, with their families expressing relief. The court's decision has sparked discussions about the implications for Khalid and Imam, who may have the opportunity to reapply for bail in a year. This ruling highlights ongoing legal battles surrounding the riots and the complexities of the case. Read on for more details about the court's findings and reactions from those involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 15:36 IST

Supreme Court's Decision on Bail Applications

The Supreme Court has rejected the bail petitions of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are implicated in a significant conspiracy related to the riots in Northeast Delhi in 2020. In contrast, the court granted bail to Gulfiya Fatima, Meeraan Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohammad Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed. Shifa Ur Rehman's wife expressed gratitude for the decision and thanked the legal team for their efforts.

Reactions to the Supreme Court's Ruling

Speaking to the media, Shifa Ur Rehman's wife stated, "We welcome the Supreme Court's ruling and appreciate the lawyers' hard work... We hope that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam will also receive bail soon." Earlier today, Sarim Javed, the lawyer representing Gulfiya Fatima, described the Supreme Court's bail order as a significant relief for the five accused and their families. He emphasized that the court found any potential guilt of the five to be of a limited nature.

Future Prospects for Khalid and Imam

Javed further noted that the other two accused, Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who were denied bail, may reapply in a year. He mentioned, "For the five individuals granted bail, the Supreme Court indicated that if there is any fault, it is minimal. The court did not comment on the guilt of the two denied bail, but considering the case's structure and the provisions of the Constitution and UAPA, the Supreme Court has allowed a year for all protected witnesses. If they fail to present their case, Khalid and Imam can reapply for bail after a year... This is a significant relief for them and their families."