Supreme Court of India Denies Bail Review for Umar Khalid

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a review petition filed by activist Umar Khalid, upholding a January 2026 decision that denied him bail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria ruled in chambers that there were no reasonable grounds to review the original judgment. The court further rejected a request from senior counsel Kapil Sibal for an oral hearing in open court.

Khalid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for his alleged role in planning and mobilizing the violence, which resulted in 53 deaths and more than 700 injuries. The Delhi Police described the riots as an orchestrated attack on Indian sovereignty. During proceedings, Additional Solicitor General S. V. Raju presented evidence alleging Khalid organized secret meetings and road blockades.

In its determination, the court noted that Khalid and co-accused Sharjeel Imam possessed a different level of culpability compared to other accused individuals who had been granted bail.