Delhi riots case: Court grants 13-day interim bail with restrictions to Khalid Saifi for family wedding

More than five years after the violence, which claimed 53 lives and injured hundreds, the case is still stuck at the stage of “arguments on charge” (File photo)

• Khalid Saifi granted 13-day interim bail to attend family events during Ramzan
• Court imposed strict conditions, barring Saifi from media and digital activity
• Saifi remains a key accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case under UAPA

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A Delhi court has allowed 13 days of interim bail to Khalid Saifi, one of the accused in the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy case”, enabling him to attend family wedding ceremonies and spend time with relatives during the forthcoming holy month of Ramzan.

The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Court, granting temporary release from February 6 to February 18. Saifi is the founder of United Against Hate and has been in judicial custody since February 2020.

The court directed that the relief would be subject to compliance with multiple safeguards. Saifi has been asked to furnish a personal bond of Rs 20,000 along with two sureties of the same amount before being released for the limited period.

Restrictions imposed by court

While allowing the application, the court laid down a set of conditions aimed at preventing any interference with the ongoing proceedings.

Saifi has been barred from leaving the National Capital Region (NCR) during the interim bail period. He has also been restrained from contacting or attempting to influence any prosecution witness or any person connected with the case.

Additionally, the court placed a complete embargo on his interaction with the media and his digital activity. He is not permitted to post, comment, or engage in any form of online communication while out on interim bail.

The judge noted that these directions are essential to ensure that the trial process is not hampered in any manner.

Case background

Saifi is a key accused in FIR 59/2020, commonly described as the “larger conspiracy case”, being probed by the Delhi Police Special Cell under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to the prosecution, Saifi took part in clandestine meetings, helped arrange funds for weapons, and played a role in mobilising anti-CAA protests that later turned violent. Investigators have further alleged that he asked protesters to damage CCTV cameras and convened a “celebratory” meeting after the riots to coordinate a cover-up. The defence has rejected these claims, asserting that his activities were confined to peaceful protest.

More than five years after the violence, which claimed 53 lives and injured hundreds, the case is still stuck at the stage of “arguments on charge”. With close to 900 witnesses cited by the prosecution, legal observers say the trial may take several more years.

Earlier this month, five co-accused received regular bail from the Supreme Court. However, Saifi, along with Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, continues to remain in custody, barring this temporary relief.