Umar Khalid Says He Is ‘Relieved’ for Co-Accused Granted Bail, Accepts SC Denial as ‘My Life Now’
New Delhi: Jailed activist and former JNU student Umar Khalid has reacted with quiet resignation to the Supreme Court’s decision denying him bail in the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case, even as he expressed relief and happiness for five co-accused who were granted bail. Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, shared his response in a post on X, saying he told her that “jail is my life now”.
On Monday, January 5, the Supreme Court refused to grant bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, observing that there was a prima facie case against them under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). However, five other accused activists — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad — were granted bail by the apex court.
‘Happy and Relieved’ for Others
According to Lahiri’s post, Khalid remained composed after the verdict and focused on the relief of his co-accused. “Umar said, ‘I am really happy for the others, who got bail! So relieved,’” she wrote, recounting her conversation with him after the court order.
She further shared that when she told Khalid she would visit him in jail on Tuesday, he responded calmly, saying, “Good good, aa jana. Ab yahi zindagi hai (Do come. This is my life now).” The words reflected a sense of acceptance after spending nearly five years in jail as an undertrial.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court held that delay in the trial cannot be treated as a “trump card” for granting bail in cases involving serious charges under UAPA. All seven accused were booked under UAPA and provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with the Delhi Police alleging that they were among the “masterminds” behind the February 2020 communal riots in northeast Delhi.
The riots had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured, marking one of the worst episodes of communal violence in the capital in decades. The accused, including Khalid, have consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that they have no role in the violence.
Family’s Reaction
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, Khalid’s father Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas expressed deep disappointment. “It is very unfortunate. The judgment is there, and I have nothing to say about it,” he said.
A Case Still Awaiting Trial
Despite nearly five years in custody, the trial in the case has yet to formally begin. The Supreme Court, however, maintained that the seriousness of the allegations and material on record justified continued custody at this stage.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
The Supreme Court’s ruling once again highlights the complex balance between national security laws and prolonged undertrial incarceration. While relief for some accused brings momentary hope, Umar Khalid’s continued detention without the start of trial raises larger questions about justice, delay, and the human cost of long legal processes in high-profile cases.