Supreme Court Hears Bail Pleas in Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case: Police Claim "Attack on Sovereignty"

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had rejected bail applications for the activists involved in the case.

New Delhi:

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court continued hearing bail applications from student leaders Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and other activists accused in the alleged "larger conspiracy" behind the North East Delhi riots of 2020.

These individuals remain incarcerated under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

In opposition to the bail petitions, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Delhi Police, argued before Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria that the violence was not a spontaneous communal clash but rather a "well-designed, well-crafted" assault on national sovereignty.

"Your lordships were informed that there was a protest which resulted in communal riots. First, I would like this myth dispelled. This was not a spontaneous riot but well-designed, well-crafted, orchestrated, preplanned, choreographed violence, as will be evident from the collected evidence," submitted SG Mehta.

"This was not a spontaneous act of violence; this was an attack against the nation's sovereignty—I state this with full responsibility," Mehta added, asserting that evidence including speeches and WhatsApp communications revealed a "clear and discernible attempt to divide society along communal lines."

Specifically referencing statements allegedly made by accused Sharjeel Imam, the Centre's legal representative stated, "He (Sharjeel Imam) says it is his heartfelt wish to create a chakka jam not just in Delhi but in every city where Muslims reside."

SG Mehta further quoted Imam, saying, "He proceeds to state Muslims must unite and separate the entire northeast from the country. The real objective, he claims, was for Delhi to be deprived of milk and water. This was not a protest as they attempt to characterize it!"

He also referenced WhatsApp conversations recovered by Delhi Police, allegedly showing "how property was to be damaged, how funds were to be collected," adding it was "a systematic and synchronized attempt to divide society and fragment the nation."

SG Mehta argued that trial delays were attributable to the accused who were "not cooperating" and "each spent 4-5 days arguing against the framing of charges." "In cases where defending on facts is challenging, the strategy becomes delaying the trial rather than addressing merits and simply requesting bail. This has become a pattern," added SG Mehta.

The Delhi Police had already submitted a detailed counter-affidavit describing Umar Khalid as one of the "key conspirators" and a "mentor" to others, including Sharjeel Imam. They stated the conspiracy was pre-planned for execution during US President Donald Trump's official India visit to attract "international media" attention.

Previously, the Delhi High Court had dismissed bail applications from these activists.

The Supreme Court will resume hearing the Delhi Police's arguments regarding the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others on November 20.