New Delhi: Umar Khalid, who was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly conspiring February 2020 riots in North East Delhi, has been granted one week of bail till December 30, 2022 to attend his sister’s marriage.
Delhi riot accused Khalid was released on December 23 following December 12 order by a Delhi court, which granted him 7 days interim bail.In October, the Delhi High Court had rejected his bail plea. The court had observed that the name of the appellant finds recurring mention from the beginning of the conspiracy till the culmination of the ensuing riots.
Earlier, during the arguments on November 6, Khalid’s counsel senior advocate Tridip Pais had assured the court that he would not talk to the media or give any interview if granted interim bail for the wedding of his sister. He also said that he would abide by any condition imposed by the court, including providing his live location.
It was earlier submitted by the Delhi police that Khalid’s release on interim bail may lead to unrest.
Delhi police had submitted a report filed in Karkardooma Court opposing the interim bail plea moved on Khalid’s behalf.The senior advocate also referred to the cases where interim bail was granted to the accused under UAPA. He also referred to the case of Siddique Kappan where an interim bail was granted by the Supreme court imposing the condition of no interaction with media.
The same condition may be imposed in this case as well. Pais had said, “Siddique Kappan was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court. A condition was imposed. Please see the condition put — the same condition may be put on my client. During his (Khalid’s) visit, he shall not give any media interviews. Not media public persons… Agreed I won’t. Only family and relatives. “The council also referred to the case of co-accused Ishrat Jahan who was granted 10 days’ interim bail for her own marriage.
On the other hand, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad had opposed the bail plea. He said that in the case of Siddique Kappan, interim bail was granted by the Supreme court and other judgements cited don’t apply to Umar Khalid’s case.
SPP submitted that here we are in a situation where his bail has been rejected. “So far as Siddique Kappan is concerned, it was by Supreme Court… if it is passed by this court, then they will say freedom of expression will be agitated. Tomorrow everybody will say.”Delhi police had filed a status report on the interim bail plea. The fact of wedding has been verified by the police.
(further inputs from ANI)
