SC Raises Serious Reservation Over Umar Khalid Bail Rejection; Says ‘Bail Is Rule, Jail Exception’

The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns over the denial of bail to former JNU student leader Umar Khalid in the Delhi riots conspiracy case. A division bench observed that the principle of “bail is the rule and jail is the exception” applies even under stringent laws like the UAPA. Referring to the three-judge bench ruling in the Najeeb case, the apex court said an accused cannot be kept in custody indefinitely without trial. The bench also expressed reservations over earlier orders rejecting Umar Khalid’s bail plea and barring him and Sharjeel Imam from seeking bail for a year. The observations are being seen as significant remarks on personal liberty and prolonged incarceration under anti-terror laws.