What’s The Connection Between Umar Khalid's Bail Withdrawal and Farmers' Protest?
Umar Khalid has withdrawn his petition from Supreme Court and once again his name is in the news at the same time of Farmers Protest.
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Umar Khalid, who was accused of involvement in the 2020 Delhi riots, has withdrawn his bail petition from the Supreme Court. He plans to refile his petition with the trial court. Khalid was denied bail by the Delhi High Court in October 2022. The Supreme Court has adjourned his case several times. Some of the charges against Khalid include rioting and unlawful activities.
Congress MP and Senior advocate Kapil Sibal representing Khalid, also said they will try their luck in the trial court afresh due to the changed circumstances. The court allowed the request as his lawyers pointed to a “change in circumstances” on Wednesday.
Khalid's decision to withdraw his petition is a setback for his supporters, who have been campaigning for his release. However, it is also a sign that he is not giving up on his fight to clear his name.
Where it all started: DELHI RIOTS
In February 2020, protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Delhi turned violent, escalating into communal clashes between Hindus and Muslims. The riots began following protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was passed by the Parliament of India on December 11, 2019. The CAA amended the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a pathway to Indian citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who had entered India on or before December 31, 2014, from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, excluding Muslims.
At least 53 people were killed and hundreds more were injured in the violence. The riots were sparked by a new citizenship law that was seen by many Muslims as discriminatory. The government said that the law was necessary to protect Hindus who had fled persecution in Muslim-majority countries. However, opposition said that the law was actually a way to target and marginalize Muslims in India.
Role of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam during Delhi Riots
Khalid and Imam have been accused of inciting violence and unlawful activities during the Delhi riots. These accusations primarily stem from speeches they delivered during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the months preceding the riots.During the protests against the CAA and NRC, Khalid was one of the organizers and speakers at several alleged anti- national demonstrations and public events. He spoke out against what he and many others perceived as discriminatory policies that could marginalize Muslim communities in India.
During the anti-CAA protests, Imam was active in organizing and participating in demonstrations, rallies, and public meetings. Imam's involvement in the protests gained attention after a video surfaced online purportedly showing him making controversial statements about cutting off certain regions of India from the rest of the country as a form of protest. This led to his arrest on charges of sedition and promoting enmity between different groups.
Khalid faced additional charges like rioting and murder, while Imam stands accused of sedition under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
They have denied these allegations, and claim that they were peacefully protesting against the CAA. Both men have been arrested and are currently awaiting trial.
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam have been involved in organizing and participating in protests against government policies and legislation in India in the name of social justice.
News updates after Delhi riots –
2020:• February 24: Both Khalid and Imam are accused of inciting violence during the Delhi riots.
• August 25: Shajeel Imam is arrested under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
• September 14: Umar Khalid is arrested under UAPA.
2021:
• February 22: Chargesheet filed against 15 accused in the Delhi riots, not including Khalid or Imam.
• August 10: Delhi government grants sanction to prosecute Khalid and Imam under UAPA.
2022:
• October 25: Delhi High Court denies bail to Khalid.
• December 6: Supreme Court defers hearing on Khalid's bail plea.
2023:
• November 22: Supreme Court adjourns Khalid's bail plea again.
2024:
• February 6: Delhi High Court lists bail pleas by Sharjeel Imam and others for fresh hearing in January.
• February 13: Umar Khalid withdraws bail petition from Supreme Court, plans to refile in trial court.
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