A Delhi court on Thursday granted interim bail to Umar Khalid in the case linked to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The relief was granted so he could attend his sister’s wedding. Under the court’s order, Khalid will be out of custody from December 16 to December 29, after which he must surrender before the prison authorities on the evening of December 29.
Strict Conditions During Interim Bail of Umar Khalid
The court placed several restrictions on Khalid while he is out on bail. He has been prohibited from using social media, contacting any witness, or interacting with anyone beyond a limited group. During this period, he may meet only family members, relatives, and close friends.
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai further instructed that Khalid must stay either at his residence or at the locations where the wedding events are scheduled. These conditions were set to ensure he does not violate bail terms or influence the ongoing investigation.
Umar Khalid Bail Granted Against Bond and Sureties
Khalid secured interim bail after furnishing a personal bond of ₹20,000 and two sureties of the same amount, as reported by Bar and Bench. The order also requires him to share his mobile number with the investigating officer and keep his phone switched on throughout the bail period.
The court reiterated in its order:
“During the interim bail period, the applicant shall not use the social media. During the interim bail period, the applicant shall only meet his family members, relatives and friends. Further, he shall remain at his home or at the places where the ceremonies of marriage as mentioned by him will take place.”
Previous Umar Khalid Interim Bail Orders
This is not the first time Khalid has been granted temporary relief for family events.
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In December 2024, he received a seven-day interim bail to attend a family wedding.
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In 2022, he was also given a week-long interim bail for his sister’s marriage ceremony.
Background of the Umar Khalid Case
Khalid has been in jail since 2020 after being charged under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in FIR 59/2020 registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell. Many activists and former student leaders including Tahir Hussain, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Natasha Narwal, and others are co-accused in the case.
In October 2022, the Delhi High Court denied him regular bail, observing that his alleged role in the conspiracy appeared “grave”. The court noted that he had delivered speeches that were “inflammatory” and capable of triggering communal mobilisation. His subsequent appeals reached the Supreme Court, which is currently examining bail pleas of multiple accused, including Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and Gulfisha Fatima.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment on the cluster of bail petitions filed by the accused in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case.
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