Delhi HC grants Umar Khalid interim bail to attend mother’s surgery
The Delhi High Court on Friday granted interim bail to Umar Khalid for three days to allow him to attend to his mother during a scheduled surgery next month.
Khalid, who has remained in jail since September 2020 in connection with the Delhi riots conspiracy case, will stay out on bail from June 1 to June 3.
The court directed him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and restricted his movement to the National Capital Region (NCR). Judges also barred him from visiting any place other than his residence and the hospital.
The former Jawaharlal Nehru University student had sought 15 days’ interim bail. He told the court that his 62-year-old mother is due to undergo lump excision surgery on June 2. He also sought permission to attend the chehlum ceremony of his late maternal uncle.
While granting relief, the High Court observed that Khalid had previously received interim bail in family-related matters and complied with all conditions imposed on him.
The bench noted that the allegations against him are serious and described him as one of the key accused in the conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. At the same time, the court said his mother’s medical condition warranted a compassionate approach.
“The court granted limited relief after taking note of the medical needs of Umar Khalid’s mother.”
Investigating agencies arrested Khalid in September 2020 under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the larger conspiracy case related to the northeast Delhi riots.
His regular bail pleas have repeatedly failed before different courts over the past several years.
In January this year, the Supreme Court rejected bail applications filed by Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
This is the third time Khalid has secured interim bail since his arrest. Earlier, courts granted him temporary relief to attend family events, including his sister’s wedding and a cousin’s marriage.
