A Delhi court on Wednesday granted Umar Khalid interim bail for seven days to attend his cousin’s wedding. Khalid, an accused in the Delhi riots more significant conspiracy case, was relieved by Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma court. The bail period will be from December 28 to January 3.
The court stated that it was “just and appropriate” to allow Khalid to attend the family event and meet his relatives. He was required to furnish a personal bond of ₹20,000 and two sureties of the same amount.
As part of the bail conditions, Khalid is prohibited from using social media, contacting witnesses, or interacting with anyone connected to the case. The court also directed him to limit his movements to his residence and venues of the wedding ceremonies and functions.
Khalid has been in custody since September 2020 after being charged with offenses including criminal conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly, and various provisions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). His regular bail plea is pending before the Delhi High Court.
The trial court rejected his initial bail plea in March 2022, followed by a denial from the High Court in October 2022. He appealed to the Supreme Court, which sought Delhi Police’s response in May 2023. However, the plea was adjourned multiple times before being withdrawn by Khalid in February 2024, citing a change in circumstances.
Subsequently, Khalid filed a second bail plea in the trial court, which was rejected in May 2024, leading to a fresh appeal before the High Court. A Division Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur are hearing the matter.
In the meantime, Khalid moved the trial court for interim bail to attend his cousin’s wedding, which was allowed on Wednesday.
