Delhi Court Grants Umar Khalid Interim Bail for Cousin's Wedding

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 18 : A Delhi court decided on Wednesday temporary release for former JNU student leader Umar Khalid. Under the parole—which runs from December 28 to January 3— Khalid is allowed to attend his cousin's wedding. Originally seeking a 10-day release through his attorney, Khalid, who has been in custody under the severe Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), first asked. 

Arrest and Charges

Khalid was arrested related to the 2020 Delhi riots, which took place amid protests opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Despite several tries—including a recent plea on December 6—his bail requests have been repeatedly refused. Khalid wanted justice with his co-accused who were given release when the Delhi High Court denied his plea in October 2022.

Justifications in Defense

Khalid's legal team stressed his dedication to nonviolent values and claimed that he missed the unrest in northeast Delhi. His advise focused on a speech Khalid gave in Amravati advocating the "Gandhian principles" of nonviolence. They also expressed worries about Khalid's selective targeting, noting the lack of other people supposedly present in conspiracy meetings—including activist Yogendra Yadav and director Rahul Roy.

Constant Legal Challenge

Khalid's defense also highlighted the absence of significant evidence tying him to the violence. Senior attorney Trideep Pais questioned the reason for Khalid's inclusion in the case, even if other reportedly relevant persons were not indicted. The defense contends that Khalid's participation in the violence has been magnified.

Case Background

Response to Khalid's custody and the continuing case has focused on the use of UAPA and its consequences for opposing voices. Khalid is imprisoned for a long time even though numerous co-accused in the riots case have been given release raises questions regarding judicial equity and evidentiary criteria.

Before carrying on his legal fight while the larger case develops under the granted interim relief, Khalid will temporarily be reunited with his family.

 By Manasa Permulla