The Supreme Court on Monday told the Delhi Police it must no longer delay its response in the bail cases of five student activists—Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima and Shifa‑ur‑Rehman—who are charged in the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria said the court would hear the matter on Friday and ordered the police to file their counter‑affidavits in the meantime. The Delhi Police had asked for two weeks to file a response, but the bench declined, pointing out that the court had already given the police ample time.
“We have given you enough time,” Justice Kumar said. “You may be appearing for the first time. Last time, we said we would hear this matter on October 27 and dispose of it.”
Even when police counsel, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, pushed for at least a one‑week extension, the bench cut him short. “What is the question of a counter‑affidavit in a bail matter?” the Justices asked.
Senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended the activists’ plea. “The petitioners have been in jail for more than five years,” Sibal noted, urging the court to continue with the hearing at once.
“We cannot add more delay when the case is about justice,” Singhvi stated.
The five activists are fighting the Delhi High Court’s decision that denied them bail. The high court had found prima facie evidence of conspiracy behind February’s riot, which erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The riots claimed 53 lives and left more than 700 people injured.
The Supreme Court issued notice to the Delhi Police on September 22. It now set the hearing for Friday, demanding the police submit their counter‑affidavits promptly so the court can finalize the bail petitions.
Source: ianslive
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