Did Not Make Calls For Violence: Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam & Gulfisha Fatima Tell Supreme Court

The Supreme Court heard bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and Gulfisha Fatima, accused in the Delhi riots conspiracy case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The petitioners argued that they neither instigated nor participated in any violent act and that their speeches were mischaracterized as seditious. The Court examined the boundaries between dissent and incitement, emphasizing the need to differentiate political expression from criminal conspiracy. The matter underscores ongoing debates on freedom of speech, police investigation standards, and prolonged incarceration without trial under stringent anti-terror laws. The Court’s observations may influence future interpretation of UAPA’s scope, especially regarding proportionality of state action in politically sensitive prosecutions.