Supreme Court of India Reprimands Police Over Bail Delays

The Supreme Court of India reprimanded the Delhi Police on October 27, 2025, for failing to file counter-affidavits regarding the bail pleas of five activists: Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, and Shifa-ur-Rehman. The activists are charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code for an alleged conspiracy linked to the February 2020 Delhi riots, which caused 53 deaths and over 700 injuries.

A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria denied a request from Additional Solicitor-General S.V. Raju for a two-week extension. The court noted that the police had already received ample time and emphasized that the accused have been incarcerated for nearly five years without trial. The court urged the Delhi Police to consider granting bail on concession.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi opposed the police's request for an adjournment, arguing that there should be no further delay in the hearing. The matter is rescheduled for October 31, by which date the Delhi Police must provide instructions.