Umar Khalid Granted Interim Bail for Cousin's Wedding Amid Ongoing UAPA Case

Umar Khalid, former JNU student leader, receives interim bail to attend his cousin's wedding for seven days amid ongoing judicial custody for a conspiracy case related to the 2020 North East Delhi violence. The Delhi High Court reviews Khalid's regular bail application under UAPA, following prior rejection and legal challenges.

Umar Khalid, once a prominent student leader at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has been granted a brief reprieve from his judicial custody, thanks to a court order allowing him interim bail to partake in his cousin's wedding celebrations. The Karkardooma court sanctioned a seven-day bail period, providing Khalid an opportunity to step out from behind bars, where he remains tied to a larger conspiracy case involving the 2020 North East Delhi upheavals.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is in the throes of evaluating the regular bail pleas presented by Khalid and fellow activist Sharjeel Imam. Both individuals are embroiled in a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with allegations pointing towards their roles in orchestrating the communal disturbances that gripped Delhi in February 2020. The Delhi Police's Special Cell nabbed Khalid on September 14, 2020, marking his enduring stint in custody.

In previous proceedings, the trial court had dismissed Khalid's bail applications, with remarks highlighting that accusations leveled at him appeared credible, and elucidating the obstacles presented by Section 43D(5) of the UAPA. Observations by a special judge in a May 2024 ruling reiterated that the applicant failed to meet the bail criteria, underscoring a comprehensive review by the High Court and the definitive nature of prior refusals for relief. The trial court's dedication to upholding these judgements relays a stringent judicial stance on Khalid's current plea endeavors.

(With inputs from agencies.)