NEW DELHI, July 22: Delhi High Court Judge Recuses from Umar Khalid’s Bail Plea in UAPA Case
In a significant development, Justice Amit Sharma of the Delhi High Court recused himself from hearing the bail plea of former JNU student Umar Khalid in a UAPA case related to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 riots in Delhi. The matter, scheduled for a hearing before a division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Sharma, was redirected to another bench.
“List before another bench, of which Justice Amit Sharma is not a member, on July 24,” Justice Singh ordered.
Umar Khalid, arrested by Delhi Police in September 2020, challenged a recent trial court decision denying him bail in the case. Alongside Sharjeel Imam and others, Khalid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and IPC provisions for purportedly masterminding the riots that claimed 53 lives and left over 700 injured during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Rejecting Khalid’s bail plea for the second time on May 28, the trial court cited finality in its earlier order dismissing his first application. The court underscored the Delhi High Court’s affirmation of the initial dismissal on October 18, 2022, stating that police allegations against Khalid appeared prima facie true.
According to the high court, the anti-CAA demonstrations allegedly escalated into violent riots orchestrated during conspiratorial meetings, with witnesses’ statements indicating Khalid’s active involvement.
