The legal saga surrounding former JNU student leader Umar Khalid continues to unfold in Delhi's courtrooms, marking one of the most closely watched cases under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Here's a detailed timeline of the key developments that have shaped this high-profile case.
The Initial Arrest and Charges
Umar Khalid's legal troubles began on September 13, 2020, when Delhi Police arrested him under UAPA provisions. The charges stemmed from allegations of conspiracy in the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots, with investigators claiming he played a pivotal role in orchestrating the violence.
Bail Battles Begin
The first significant bail hearing occurred on March 15, 2021, when Khalid moved his initial bail application before the Karkardooma court. This marked the beginning of a series of legal attempts to secure his release, all of which would face stiff opposition from prosecution.
Key Court Proceedings
- September 2021: Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat began hearing arguments on Khalid's bail plea, a process that would extend for months
- March 2022: The court finally reserved its order after extensive arguments from both defense and prosecution
- March 24, 2022: In a major setback, the trial court rejected Khalid's bail application, upholding the prosecution's conspiracy theory
High Court Intervention
Following the trial court rejection, Khalid approached the Delhi High Court in April 2022. Justice Siddharth Mridul began hearing the appeal, which saw heated arguments about the evidentiary value of the charges and the application of UAPA provisions.
Legal Setbacks Continue
The case took another turn on October 18, 2022, when the Delhi High Court delivered its verdict, rejecting Khalid's bail plea. The court accepted the prosecution's argument about a "larger conspiracy" behind the Delhi riots, dealing another blow to the defense.
Supreme Court Appeal
Undeterred by repeated rejections, Khalid's legal team moved the Supreme Court, filing a special leave petition challenging the High Court's decision. However, in October 2023, the apex court also declined to intervene, refusing to grant Khalid relief.
Recent Developments
The legal battle continues with Khalid recently filing another bail application before the trial court, citing changed circumstances and prolonged incarceration. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 2024, keeping the case very much alive in the Indian legal landscape.
Throughout this nearly four-year legal journey, Khalid has remained in judicial custody, with his case becoming a focal point in debates about UAPA's application and the balance between national security concerns and individual liberties in India's legal system.
