Delhi High Court Recusal in Umar Khalid UAPA Bail Plea

Delhi High Court judge Justice Amit Sharma recused himself from hearing the bail plea of former JNU student Umar Khalid in a UAPA case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The case will now be heard by another bench. Khalid's previous bail plea was rejected by the trial court.

Delhi High Court judge Justice Amit Sharma recused himself on Monday from hearing the bail plea of former JNU student Umar Khalid in a UAPA case connected to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 riots in Delhi.

The matter was set for hearing before a division bench consisting of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Sharma. However, Justice Singh ordered, 'List before another bench, of which Justice Amit Sharma is not a member, on July 24.'

Khalid, arrested by Delhi Police in September 2020, has challenged a trial court order denying him bail. He, along with Sharjeel Imam and others, has been charged under the UAPA and Indian Penal Code for allegedly masterminding the riots. The violence, which erupted during anti-CAA and NRC protests, resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries.

(With inputs from agencies.)