The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted three-day interim bail to former JNU student Umar Khalid, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The relief was granted to allow him to be with his ailing mother, who is scheduled to undergo a major surgery.
Bail Conditions and Duration
Justice Prathiba M. Singh, presiding over the matter, directed that Khalid be released on interim bail from May 25 to May 27, 2026. The court imposed strict conditions, including that Khalid must not leave the national capital during this period and must surrender before the concerned jail authorities on May 27 by 6 PM. Additionally, he is required to provide his mobile number to the investigating officer and keep it operational at all times.
Legal Arguments and Court Observations
Senior advocate Trideep Pais, representing Khalid, submitted that the applicant's mother, a cancer patient, is scheduled for a critical surgery on May 26 at a hospital in Delhi. He emphasized that her condition is serious and requires the presence of her son. The Delhi Police, represented by special public prosecutor Amit Prasad, opposed the bail plea, citing the seriousness of the charges and the potential flight risk. However, the court observed that the three-day interim arrangement would not prejudice the ongoing investigation.
The court further directed Khalid to not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses during the short period of release. He is also barred from making any public statements or interacting with the media regarding the case.
Background of the Case
Umar Khalid was arrested in September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged role in the conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots, which left over 50 people dead and hundreds injured. He has been in custody since then, and his multiple bail pleas have been rejected by trial courts and the high court earlier. The Supreme Court is also seized of a petition challenging the denial of bail.
The Delhi High Court's decision comes as a temporary reprieve for Khalid, who has been seeking bail on medical grounds for his mother. The court clarified that this interim bail is solely for the purpose of attending to his mother's medical needs and should not be construed as a precedent for any future bail applications.
