SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam | Chronology of events in Delhi riots case

Activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were denied bail by the Supreme Court on Monday in the 2020 Delhi riots case, saying there was a prima facie case against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

However, a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria granted bail to activists Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmad in the case.

The Court added that Khalid and Imam can "move for bail on completion of examination of protected witnesses or completion of one year from present order."

Here is a chronology of events in Delhi riots case:

• February 23, 2020: Riots broke out in Northeast Delhi that left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.

• January 28, 2020: Sharjeel Imam was arrested for speeches made during anti-CAA protests.

• August 2020: Imam was arrested in larger conspiracy case.

• September 2020: Umar Khalid was arrested in larger conspiracy case. Other accused were arrested in same year.

• September 16, 2020: Charge sheet filed under relevant provisions of UAPA and IPC against 15 accused.

• November 22, 2020: First supplementary chargesheet filed.

• February 24, 2021: Second supplementary chargesheet filed.

• March 2, 2022: Third supplementary charge sheet was filed.

• June 7, 2023: Last chargesheet was filed.

In 2022, trial court dismissed bail pleas of accused persons.

• 2022-24: Several accused persons move Delhi High Court against bail rejection orders of trial courts.

• July 9: Delhi High Court reserves order on bail pleas of accused persons.

• September 2, 2025: Delhi High Court rejects bail pleas of Khalid, Imam and other co-accused.

• December 10, 2025: Supreme Court reserves its verdict after concluding hearings.

• December 16-29: Delhi court grants interim bail to Umar Khalid for 15 days to attend his sister's wedding.

• January 5, 2026: Supreme Court denies bail to Khalid and Imam. Grants bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider and others.

Umar Khalid's father S Q R Ilyas on Monday said he has nothing to say about the Supreme Court not giving bail to his son in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.

"I have nothing to say. The judgement is before you," Ilyas said.

(With PTI inputs)