A judicial bench has formally denied a request to modify the terms surrounding the bail applications of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both of whom are facing charges related to the 2020 Delhi riots. The decision centers on a Supreme Court order issued on January 5, which established specific timelines for when the accused could seek bail.

According to the court's ruling, the legal process must adhere to the conditions previously set: bail can only be sought once the examination of protected witnesses is completed or after one year has passed since the January order, whichever occurs first. Because neither of these conditions has been satisfied, the court stated it lacks the authority to alter the existing mandate.

Khalid and Imam have been held under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the violence that broke out in Delhi. The legal proceedings have been marked by prolonged delays, with the prosecution citing the sensitivity of the case and the need to protect witnesses, while the defense has consistently argued that the continued detention without trial violates the fundamental rights of the accused. The court’s refusal to intervene reinforces the current procedural timeline, effectively keeping both men in custody until the specified criteria are met.