A Delhi court on Monday dismissed the interim bail plea of Umar Khalid, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots 'larger conspiracy' case. Khalid had sought temporary release for 15 days to attend the Chehlum ceremony of his late uncle and to care for his mother before and after her scheduled surgery.
Court's Ruling
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Courts rejected the application, stating that each bail request must be evaluated on its own merits. While acknowledging that Khalid and other co-accused had previously been granted interim bail without violating conditions, the judge emphasized that this did not entitle him to bail on every occasion.
The court found that attending the Chehlum ceremony was not sufficiently necessary to justify interim bail. It noted that if Khalid's relationship with his deceased uncle was 'immediate and thick,' he would have sought release at the time of death, not after a considerable delay.
Mother's Surgery Considered
Regarding Khalid's mother's surgery, the court referenced his own submission that he has five sisters, apart from his father, who could attend to her needs. The court further noted the prosecution's statement that the surgery was 'very simple,' involving the removal of lumps, and saw no actual requirement for Khalid's assistance.
'Finding the reasons unreasonable, the court doesn't deem it appropriate to grant the desired relief to the applicant,' the judge stated.
Khalid's Arguments
Khalid had argued that as the eldest sibling, he was responsible for managing his mother's pre- and post-surgery care. He noted that four of his sisters were married and his father was 71 years old. He also sought parity with co-accused Shifa Ur Rehman and Athar Khan, who had been granted interim relief on similar grounds earlier.
Prosecution's Objection
Opposing the plea, Delhi Police contended that no exceptional or urgent circumstances warranted Khalid's interim bail. Khalid has been in custody for nearly six years and faces charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and the Indian Penal Code in connection with the larger conspiracy related to the 2020 Delhi riots.
