In a recent turn of events, the Supreme Court has once again adjourned the bail plea of former JNU student Umar Khalid, who is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) related to the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 riots in Delhi. 

A bench led by Justice Bela M. Trivedi and Justice Pankaj Mithal expressed significant dissatisfaction and, with evident reluctance, decided to postpone the hearing.

The Delhi High Court had previously denied Umar Khalid's bail application on October 18, 2022, citing the accused's alleged involvement in acts qualifying as terrorist under the UAPA. The recent Supreme Court hearing, scheduled on January 17, 2023, faced an adjournment due to the unavailability of both Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and Additional Solicitor General S.V Raju, who were set to represent Khalid and the state, respectively.

Senior Advocate Sibal, emphasizing his commitment to a Constitution Bench matter, faced reluctance from the bench, with Justice Bela M. Trivedi expressing displeasure. Despite Sibal's request for a week, the bench resolutely rejected the plea, asserting, "He is in Jail. How does it matter? Mr. Raju (ASG SV Raju) said he is also not available. I am on a Constitution bench. Kindly give me a week." The matter is now set to be heard on January 24, 2023.

The legal saga stems from Umar Khalid's alleged involvement in orchestrating the violent riots that followed the anti-CAA protests in February 2020. The Delhi High Court, in its October 2022 order, highlighted the severity of the accused's actions, deeming them far more destructive and injurious than typical political protests. The court observed that Khalid's alleged participation in conspiratorial meetings and witness statements pointed towards his active involvement in the protests, qualifying his acts as prima facie terrorist acts under the UAPA.

Case: Umar Khalid v. State of NCT Of Delhi.