Chandigarh-The continued denial of bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in cases related to the 2020 Delhi Riots by the Supreme Court of India raises grave concerns about the delivery of justice to minority in the country, said Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha in a joint statement issued today.
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam have been incarcerated for over five and a half years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Despite repeatedly approaching courts seeking bail, they continue to remain behind bars. This is particularly disturbing when several other Muslim accused in the Delhi Riots cases have been granted bail by the Supreme Court, while Khalid and Imam have been denied relief.
In its surprising order dated January 5, the Supreme Court observed that instead of using weapons, Khalid and Imam allegedly incited and participated in the riots through “other means.” Such vague and broadly interpreted allegations make it extremely difficult for the accused to defend themselves or effectively challenge the claims made by the Delhi Police. As a result, several eminent legal experts across the country have raised serious objections and concerns regarding this interpretation and its wider implications.
Thinkers associated with Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha stated that it appears the anti-terror law has been interpreted in an abstract and expansive manner primarily to justify the continued incarceration of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. They further pointed out that in the 2020 Delhi riots, a disproportionate number of Muslims were booked and jailed, many of whom have remained imprisoned for more than five years without conviction.
This has strengthened the perception, both within India and internationally, that minorities and Dalits are being deliberately targeted to advance a majoritarian Hindutva agenda. Appeals demanding the release of Umar Khalid and other Muslim detainees have been made by prominent democratic and human rights voices from the United States and other parts of the world.
Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha strongly demands the immediate release of Umar Khalid and other prisoners from minority communities. Such a step is essential to restore faith in justice, strengthen democracy, and promote peace and harmony within the country.
The joint statement was endorsed by Professor Sham Singh (President), Dr. Khushhal Singh (General Secretary), Jaspal Singh Sidhu (Journalist), Gurpreet Singh (Global Sikh Council), Rajwinder Singh Rahi, and Surinder Singh Kishanpura.
Issued by:Dr. Khushhal Singh (General Secretary) Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha93161-07093