The supreme court of India is set to pronounce its verdict on Monday, january 5, 2026, on bail pleas filed by seven accused in connection with the 2020 delhi riots.

Among the most prominent petitioners are Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both charged under stringent anti-terror and criminal laws.

Background of the Case

The bail pleas relate to cases registered after the communal violence in northeast delhi in february 2020, which resulted in over 50 deaths and extensive damage to public and private property.

The accused are alleged to be part of a larger conspiracy behind the riots, which coincided with protests against the citizenship amendment act (CAA).

Most of the accused have been in judicial custody for nearly five years, with trials progressing slowly.

Arguments by the Accused

Lawyers for the accused argued that prolonged incarceration without conviction violates the fundamental right to personal liberty.

They stressed that the investigation is complete, charge sheets have been filed, and continued detention serves no purpose.

The defence also cited recent supreme court rulings emphasising that bail should be the rule, not jail, especially in cases of delayed trials.

Delhi Police’s Stand

The delhi Police has strongly opposed the bail pleas.

Prosecutors argued that the riots were not spontaneous, but the result of a well-planned conspiracy aimed at destabilising the nation.

According to the police, the intention was to expand the violence beyond delhi to other parts of the country, making the offence grave and exceptional.

Why the Verdict Matters

The supreme Court’s decision could set a significant precedent on bail in cases involving serious charges and national security allegations.

It may also influence how courts balance individual liberty against state claims of conspiracy in long-pending riot-related cases.

What’s Next

All eyes are now on january 5, when the apex court’s ruling will determine whether the accused remain in custody or are released on bail pending trial.

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