The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to deny bail to former JNU student leader Umar Khalid and activist Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. Party leaders described the ruling as a “lesson” for the Opposition, which they accused of attempting to politicize the issue and portray the accused as victims of state action.
The Supreme Court, while rejecting the bail pleas, observed that the charges against Khalid and Imam under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) were serious in nature and required a full trial. Both have been accused of playing a role in the alleged conspiracy behind the riots that broke out in Northeast Delhi in February 2020, leading to widespread violence and loss of lives.
BJP spokespersons argued that the Opposition had consistently tried to build a narrative of political persecution around the case. They maintained that the apex court’s decision reaffirmed the gravity of the allegations and underscored the importance of judicial independence. “The Supreme Court has spoken. Those who tried to mislead the public by defending individuals accused of inciting violence must take this as a lesson,” a senior BJP leader said.
Opposition parties, however, have previously criticized the prolonged incarceration of Khalid and Imam, claiming that the charges were politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent. The denial of bail is expected to intensify the debate between the ruling party and its critics over the handling of cases under UAPA.
