'Ab yahi zindagi hai… happy for others': Umar Khalid tells partner after SC bail denial

Jailed activist Umar Khalid has reacted with resignation to the Supreme Court’s decision denying him bail in the alleged “larger conspiracy” behind the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, even as he expressed relief and happiness for five co-accused who were granted bail. His partner, Banjyosna Lahiri, shared his response on social media following the verdict delivered on Monday.

According to Lahiri, Khalid said he was “really happy” for the co-accused who secured bail and felt relieved for them. However, reflecting on his own continued incarceration, Khalid remarked that “jail is my life now,” indicating acceptance of his prolonged detention. He has been in custody for five years, while the trial in the case has yet to begin.

The Supreme Court refused to grant bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, holding that a prima facie case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was made out against them. The court observed that delay in the conduct of a trial cannot be treated as a “trump card” to override statutory safeguards under stringent laws such as the UAPA.

At the same time, the top court granted bail to five other accused in the case — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad. All seven had been booked under the UAPA and provisions of the Indian Penal Code, with the prosecution alleging that they were among the “masterminds” behind the riots.

Reacting to the order, Khalid’s father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, expressed deep disappointment, saying the decision was unfortunate. The case relates to the February 2020 violence in northeast Delhi, which claimed 53 lives and left more than 700 people injured, allegations that Khalid and the other accused have consistently denied.