“We wish to withdraw due to change of circumstances and move the trial court for appropriate relief,” submitted Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal on behalf of Khalid.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and activist Umar Khalid, who has been incarcerated since September 2020 over his alleged involvement in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, has chosen to retract his bail application from the Supreme Court today, citing a change in circumstances [Umar Khalid v. State of NCT of Delhi].
A bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal was scheduled to deliberate on the matter today. However, Khalid’s counsel, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, apprised the Court of the decision to withdraw the bail plea owing to the changed circumstances.
“We wish to withdraw due to a change in circumstances and seek appropriate relief from the trial court,” stated Sibal.
Consequently, the Court granted permission for the withdrawal of the bail plea.
Khalid was apprehended in September 2020 and faced charges of criminal conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly, along with various other offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He has remained in custody since his arrest.
In March 2022, a Karkardooma court declined Khalid’s bail plea. Subsequently, he moved the High Court, which also dismissed his plea for relief in October 2022, prompting him to appeal to the apex court.
In May 2023, the Supreme Court sought the Delhi Police’s response in the matter.
His plea before the Supreme Court was adjourned 14 times. The latest adjournment was granted on January 10, when the Court deferred the matter following requests from both parties.
Previously, in November 2023, the Court had postponed the hearing in the bail plea due to the unavailability of legal representatives on both sides.
In July 2023, the Bench presiding over the case had indicated that the hearing would conclude within two minutes. However, in August, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra recused himself from hearing the plea.
On August 18 of the same year, the matter was adjourned to be listed on a non-miscellaneous day (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays) to allow for extensive hearings. It witnessed multiple postponements thereafter before being withdrawn today.
