Umar Khalid Withdraws Bail Plea in Delhi Riots Case, Citing 'Change in Circumstances’

In a significant development, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and activist Umar Khalid, who has been in jail since September 2020 over his alleged involvement in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, withdrew his bail plea from the Supreme Court today, citing a "change in circumstances." Khalid's counsel, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, informed the bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal about the decision, stating, "We wish to withdraw due to a change of circumstances and move the trial court for appropriate relief."

The Supreme Court granted the withdrawal of the bail plea, acknowledging the altered circumstances prompting Khalid's decision. Khalid faces charges of criminal conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly, and offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Khalid's legal journey included a denial of bail by a Karkardooma court in March 2022 and subsequent rejection by the High Court in October 2022. Seeking relief, Khalid filed an appeal before the Supreme Court, which, in May 2023, sought the response of the Delhi Police in the matter. The plea faced 14 adjournments before the Supreme Court, with the last one being deemed 'final' on January 10.

Earlier reluctance to adjourn the matter was met with Kapil Sibal's commitment in another case before a Constitution Bench. The legal saga, marked by multiple adjournments, encountered a recusal by Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra in August 2023. The withdrawal today comes after various delays, indicating a significant turn in Khalid's legal strategy.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University