Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 27: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed strong disapproval toward the Delhi Police for requesting additional time to file its response in the bail pleas of student activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, and Shifa-ur-Rehman — all accused in the alleged “larger conspiracy” behind the 2020 Delhi riots under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A Bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria made it clear that the case had already seen enough delays. The court directed the Delhi Police to submit their counter-affidavits before the next hearing, scheduled for Friday.

At the beginning of the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the Delhi Police, requested two weeks to file a reply. The Bench firmly denied the request, stating that the police had already been granted sufficient time.

“We have already given you enough time. Last time, we clearly said the matter would be taken up on October 27 for disposal,” the Bench reminded.

Even after ASG Raju sought at least a week’s extension, the court refused, questioning the need for a counter-affidavit in a bail matter.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, opposed the plea for adjournment. They underscored that the accused have been in custody for over five years without trial.

“When the issue itself concerns delay, extending it further only worsens the injustice,” argued Singhvi.

Sibal added, “The petitioners have been in jail for more than five years; it is time for this court to hear the matter.”

Justice Kumar noted, “Mr. Raju, see if you can reconsider your position — after all, it’s a bail case, and they’ve already spent five years in custody.”

ASG Raju responded, “I’ll look into it, but sometimes appearances can be deceptive.”

The Supreme Court has now listed the matter for further hearing on Friday.

The petitioners have challenged the Delhi High Court’s decision that denied them bail, ruling that there was prima facie evidence indicating a conspiracy linked to the 2020 violence.

The apex court had first issued notice to the Delhi Police on September 22. The February 2020 riots, which broke out amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), resulted in 53 deaths and injuries to over 700 people.