A Delhi court in Karkardooma on Tuesday rejected the interim bail plea filed by former Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Umar Khalid in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Khalid had approached the court seeking temporary release for 15 days to attend a family religious ceremony and to take care of his ailing mother, who is reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery.

The plea was heard by the Karkardooma court, where Khalid’s legal counsel argued that the interim bail was being sought on humanitarian grounds. According to the defence, Khalid wished to attend the chahlum ceremony of his late uncle, an important religious observance held forty days after a person’s death in several Muslim communities. The counsel also informed the court that Khalid’s mother was unwell and required support during her medical treatment and surgery.

During the proceedings, the defence emphasized the personal and family circumstances behind the request, maintaining that the temporary release was not being sought for political or public activities but purely for familial obligations and caregiving responsibilities. The counsel urged the court to consider the humanitarian aspect of the plea and grant short-term relief.

However, after hearing the submissions, the court declined to allow interim bail. The detailed reasoning behind the rejection was not immediately available, but the decision means that Khalid will continue to remain in judicial custody.

Umar Khalid has been incarcerated in connection with the larger conspiracy case related to the northeast Delhi riots that took place in February 2020. The violence had erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and resulted in widespread clashes, deaths, and destruction of property in several areas of the national capital.

The Delhi Police had invoked provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against several accused individuals, including Khalid, alleging that the riots were part of a larger conspiracy. Khalid has consistently denied the allegations against him.

Over the years, multiple bail applications filed by Khalid in the case have either been rejected or remain pending before higher courts. His legal team has repeatedly argued that there is insufficient evidence linking him directly to acts of violence and that prolonged incarceration without trial violates principles of personal liberty.

The case has drawn significant public and legal attention due to its political implications and the use of anti-terror legislation in relation to the riots. Civil rights activists and sections of the opposition have often raised concerns over delays in the trial process and prolonged detention of the accused under UAPA provisions.

Meanwhile, the prosecution has maintained that the allegations involve a serious conspiracy related to communal violence and public disorder, arguing against granting relief in such cases.

With the latest order from the Karkardooma court, Umar Khalid will continue to remain in custody while proceedings in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case move forward.