Umar Khalid Secures Temporary Release for Sister’s Delhi Wedding
New Delhi — In a measured decision balancing personal obligations with legal constraints, a Delhi court has approved a two-week interim bail for Umar Khalid, the former Jawaharlal Nehru University student charged in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy fueling the 2020 Delhi riots.
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai issued the order on Thursday, permitting Khalid’s release from December 16 to December 29 specifically to participate in his sister’s wedding festivities. This marks the third such concession in recent years, following similar seven-day grants in 2022 and last year for other family events.
To secure the bail, Khalid must submit a personal bond of ₹20,000, backed by two sureties of equal value. The court’s directives emphasize strict oversight to prevent any extraneous activities during this period. Notably, Khalid is prohibited from accessing social media platforms and is restricted to interactions solely with immediate family members, relatives, and close friends.
His movements will be confined to his residence or the designated wedding venues outlined in his application. Additionally, he is barred from reaching out to any potential witnesses in the case and must share his mobile contact details with the investigating officer for monitoring purposes.
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Upon conclusion of the bail term, Khalid is required to report back to prison authorities by the evening of December 29, ensuring a seamless return to custody.
This development underscores the judiciary’s occasional accommodation of humanitarian considerations amid prolonged legal proceedings. Khalid, arrested in September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, has remained in judicial custody since, as his regular bail petitions continue to navigate higher courts.
The ruling, reported by PTI, reflects ongoing scrutiny of the high-profile case, where Khalid and several co-accused face allegations of orchestrating violence during the northeast Delhi clashes that claimed over 50 lives and injured hundreds. While the interim relief offers a brief respite for familial bonds, it arrives with unambiguous safeguards to uphold the integrity of the investigation.