Former JNU scholar Umar Khalid has approached the Supreme Court of India with a review petition challenging its January 5 order that denied him bail in the Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case. The matter is scheduled to be listed for hearing on Wednesday.
Khalid’s plea seeks reconsideration of the earlier judgment delivered by a bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice N.V. Anjaria, which had rejected bail for both Khalid and co-accused Sharjeel Imam.
Court Had Cited Prima Facie Evidence
In its earlier order, the top court had observed that the prosecution had presented sufficient material to establish a prima facie case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The bench noted that the material indicated “a central and formative role” played by the accused, along with involvement in “planning, mobilisation and strategic direction extending beyond episodic and localised acts.”
Bail Granted to Other Accused
At the same time, the court had granted bail to several other accused in the case, including Gulfisha Fatima, Meera Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmed.
However, Khalid and Imam were restricted from filing fresh bail applications until either protected witnesses were examined or one year had passed from the date of the order.
Kapil Sibal Seeks Open Court Hearing
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khalid, mentioned the matter before the court and requested that the review petition be heard in an open court.
“I wanted to make a mention… the review petition in Umar Khalid’s case is listed on Wednesday. My request is, if Your Lordships could consider hearing it in open court,” Sibal submitted.
Responding to the request, Justice Kumar said, “We will look into the papers, and if required, we will call it.”
