Delhi Riots 2020: High Court Judge Recuses from Umar Khalid's Bail Plea

In a significant development related to the 2020 Delhi riots, Justice Amit Sharma of the Delhi High Court has recused himself from hearing the bail plea of Umar Khalid, the former JNU student charged under the UAPA along with others for allegedly masterminding the violent events in February 2020.


Background of the Case

Umar Khalid, along with Sharjeel Imam and multiple others, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in connection with the riots that resulted in 53 fatalities and over 700 injuries. These riots erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the national capital.


Judicial Proceedings

On July 22, Justice Amit Sharma recused himself from the bail plea hearing, stating that the matter should be presented before a bench that he is not a part of. The case is now scheduled to be heard by a division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and another judge on July 24.


Previous Legal Actions

Umar Khalid, who was arrested by the Delhi Police in September 2020, challenged a recent trial court decision denying him bail. The trial court had upheld its earlier decision, emphasizing that the allegations against Khalid by the city police appeared prima facie valid.


 High Court's Stance

Earlier, on October 18, 2022, the Delhi High Court upheld the rejection of Khalid's initial bail plea, highlighting his alleged active involvement in the protests that escalated into violent riots. The court indicated that evidence suggested orchestration during conspiratorial meetings, as per witness statements.


 Conclusion

The legal proceedings surrounding Umar Khalid's bail plea continue to unfold amidst the backdrop of the 2020 Delhi riots. The recusal of Justice Amit Sharma marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing judicial scrutiny of the alleged roles played by Khalid and others in the tragic events of February 2020.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post