Umar Khalid is a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student activist who was arrested in September 2020 for alleged conspiracy in connection with the Delhi riots. As many as 53 people lost their lives in the riots and Khalid was accused of being part of a larger plot to ignite violence, a charge he has vehemently been denying.
The trail in his case has not yet commenced and Khalid has been in jail for over five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This prolonged detention has now raised questions at the domestic and international levels.
Case Details
Arrest: The Delhi Police arrested Umar Khalid on September 13, 2020 with the allegation that he was involved in the "larger conspiracy" behind the 2020 Delhi riots. He has been imprisoned in Delhi's Tihar Jail since then.
Charges under UAPA: He was booked under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, this Act provides for the more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations.
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Riots background: In February 2020, Delhi witnessed communal riots in which 53 people lost their lives. Police claim that the riots were the result of a pre-planned conspiracy.
Prosecution allegations: The police claimed that Khalid delivered provoking speeches and attended meetings where he allegedly planned on inciting violence. However, Khalid has constantly denied these allegations.
Seeking bail: According to Supreme Court Observer, "Khalid first sought bail in the Trial Court in March 2022, but his application was rejected, and his subsequent appeal in the Delhi High Court was dismissed in October of the same year."
In 2023, Khalid moved the Supreme Court with a Special Leave Petition, but after repeated adjournments, he chose to withdraw it in early 2024. He returned to the Delhi High Court in 2025, where his plea was once again rejected on September 2.
The Bench held that the riots were the outcome of a "premeditated, well-orchestrated conspiracy", and said his speeches and communications could not be seen in isolation.
International attention: In 2026, 8 US lawmakers wrote a letter to Indian Ambassador in Washington demanding bail and timely trial for Khalid. They claimed that such prolonged detention was against international legal standards.
Support from global figures: In a handwritten note to Khalid, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed solidarity with Khalid and said "we are all thinking of you".
Current status: Trail in the case has not yet started and Khalid still remains lodged in jail. His bail applications have been rejected multiple times. However, he was granted 2-week interim bail to attend his sister's wedding in December last year.
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What are Delhi riots 2020?
On February 23 eve, riots broke out in Northeast Delhi between Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and pro-CAA protestors. The violence caused deaths of more than 53 people over the course of next 10 day and over 200 people were injured. Shops and houses were burnt down and even places of worship were attacked.
