Supreme Court grants six-month bail to two accused in Delhi riots | Today’s news
The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail of six months to two accused in the Delhi riots, referring to a larger court on a question of law as to whether extended imprisonment and adjournment of trial can overcome statutory bail limits.
A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale declined to comment on the recent verdict delivered by a bench headed by Justice BV Nagarathna criticizing the January 5 verdict denying bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
The Delhi Police sought a reference to a question of law in a larger bench on whether extended imprisonment and adjournment of trial can override statutory bail restrictions under anti-terrorism laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
The court justified the denial of bail to Khalid and Imam in the Delhi riots case by basing it on the assessment of the accused, the role attributed to them and not on Article 21 being considered subordinate.
The bench granted interim bail for six months to two Delhi riots accused, Abdul Khalid Saifi and Tasleem Ahmad, subject to certain conditions.
It said the prosecution may seek cancellation of bail for both if the court-imposed conditions are violated.
The bench directed that the matter be placed before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant to set up an appropriate bench for an authoritative pronouncement on the point of law.
