New Delhi, January 21: While hearing the bail applications of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others accused in the larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday cautioned the police, saying, "We can't give you endless time, this has to end."
A division bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur, after listening to extensive arguments, urged Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Amit Prasad to submit a detailed chart outlining the role of each accused individual whose bail is being heard. Prasad requested two more days to make further submissions, along with a concise note on each person involved.
Justice Chawla responded, "This has to end now; we can't give you endless time. These are bail applications."
Prasad pointed out that the trial court had given petitioners six months to argue their case, but he had been allotted significantly less time. Justice Chawla replied firmly, "We can't do the same. Can't go endless."
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, appearing via video conference, also pressed for a conclusion, stating, "I need to wrap up. SPP has made submissions on factual aspects. I need to wrap it up. It will take only five minutes." Justice Chawla quickly interjected, "You already wrapped up. Don't start it again, we need to close it." The court then adjourned the matter until February 12 for further hearing.
During the proceedings, SPP Amit Prasad referenced speeches made by Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. Prasad highlighted a speech by Imam, which allegedly encouraged people to prepare for "lathi blows," discussing how to take them in a way that would minimize pain, and what to wear. Imam is also accused of stating that a "Chakka Jam" (blockade) would be organized in Delhi, with specific dates provided for it. Prasad also quoted Imam as saying there were 10,000 students at Jamia Millia Islamia, and if only 100 of them worked effectively, they could sensitize the city. Prasad further referred to Imam allegedly stating that left-wing students at JNU had refused to join the Shaheen Bagh protests, as they were told it was an "Islamic stage."
In one speech, Imam reportedly said, "We have to close Delhi so that people suffer. It takes three hours to reach Delhi from Noida. It will take six hours if some roads are closed. Water supply will be stopped if more roads are closed." Prasad also quoted Imam allegedly stating, "It is our responsibility to cut Assam from India. They will hear us only after. There are detention camps, and Muslims will be killed. The chicken neck belongs to Muslims. We will not tolerate the arbitrariness of the government." Prasad further referred to Imam's speech on January 23, 2020, in which he allegedly said, "We have four weeks, that will make it to 22 February. The court is of nobody. Sarkar ko chhodo, court ko nani yaad aa jani chaiye."
Prasad also mentioned that on the same day, Umar Khalid, in Seelampur, reportedly said that weapons had been collected for the protests.
