October 26, 2025

The Supreme Court is all set to take up the bail pleas of famous activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider this Monday. They are caught up in a serious case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) linked to the February 2020 Delhi riots. These riots shocked the capital city, leaving 53 people dead and over 700 injured during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens. A special court bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria will hear the matter this week. Earlier, on September 22, the Supreme Court had issued notice asking the Delhi Police for their response on these bail applications. This came after the activists filed petitions challenging a tough order from the Delhi High Court on September 2. That court refused bail to nine people, including Khalid and Imam, stating that "conspiratorial" violence under the mask of protests "could not be allowed." The nine activists denied bail are Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Abdul Khalid Saifi, and Shadab Ahmed. Another accused person, Tasleem Ahmed, also had a bail plea rejected by a different bench on the same day. The High Court made a clear point that the Constitution does allow peaceful protests and demonstrations as a fundamental right for citizens. The court said these rights are protected under Article 19(1)(a), which covers the freedom of speech and expression. However, it warned this right is "not absolute" and comes with "reasonable restrictions". The order stated, "If the exercise of an unfettered right to protest were permitted, it would damage the constitutional framework and impinge upon the law and order situation in the country." All the accused remain behind bars since 2020 after being labeled "masterminds" of the fatal riots. They were charged under the UAPA and sections of the old Indian Penal Code. The activists have strongly denied all accusations, and after being denied bail by the trial court, they approached the High Court and now the Supreme Court in their bid to get release on bail. Will the apex court unleash the grip or keep the activists locked? The country watches eagerly as this critical hearing unfolds, dealing with questions on protest rights, violence, and law and order.

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Tags: Uapa, Delhi riots, Bail plea, Umar khalid, Sharjeel imam, Supreme court,