The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a review petition filed by activist Umar Khalid challenging the earlier denial of bail in the Delhi riots conspiracy case.
A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice N V Anjaria passed the order on April 16, refusing to reconsider its January 5 judgment.
“Having gone through the review petition and documents… we do not find any good ground and reason to review the judgment,” the Court said, while also rejecting the request for an oral hearing.
Background: Bail Denied in January
In January 2026, the Supreme Court had denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the larger conspiracy case related to the Delhi Riots 2020.
At the same time, the Court granted bail to several other accused, including Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa ur Rehman, Shadab Ahmed and Mohd Saleem Khan.
The Court had then observed that Khalid and Imam stood on a “different footing” compared to other accused.
Charges and Case Details
Umar Khalid was arrested in September 2020 and charged under multiple sections, including criminal conspiracy and provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to the police, the case involves allegations of a larger conspiracy behind the violence in northeast Delhi in February 2020, which left 53 people dead and hundreds injured.
The Court had earlier noted that the prosecution material disclosed a “prima facie case” against Khalid and Imam, making them ineligible for bail at this stage.
Option to Seek Bail Later
While dismissing the review plea, the Court’s earlier order allows Khalid and Imam to apply for bail again after certain conditions are met, including completion of examination of protected witnesses or after a specified time period.
With the dismissal of the review petition, Umar Khalid will continue to remain in custody as the trial in the case proceeds.
