The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail applications of former JNU student leaders Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Both leaders have been accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for their alleged role in the protests that preceded the violence.

The court observed that the allegations against them are serious in nature and require a full trial to determine their involvement. The bench stated that at this stage, granting bail could affect the ongoing proceedings.

Khalid and Imam have been in custody for several years, facing charges of delivering provocative speeches and coordinating protests that, according to investigators, were linked to the outbreak of violence in North-East Delhi. Their lawyers argued that the two were being targeted for their dissent and that no direct evidence connects them to the violence.

However, the prosecution maintained that the conspiracy was well-planned and that the accused played a significant role in mobilising crowds and spreading unrest. The case continues to be one of the most high-profile trials arising out of the 2020 riots, which left over 50 people dead and hundreds injured.

The rejection of bail means both Khalid and Imam will remain in jail as the trial proceeds.