The Delhi Police has vehemently opposed the bail plea of accused in the Delhi riots case, citing the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). ASG Chetan Sharma argued that the accused were part of a clinical, pathological and planned conspiracy by forces inimical to India, and referred to Supreme Court verdicts to support his argument. The accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have been in prison for many years and have sought bail citing delay in trial. However, Sharma blamed them for the delay and argued that mere delay cannot be a ground for bail under UAPA.
The Delhi Riots Case: Bail Denied Amidst UAPA Allegations
Background
In February 2020, communal riots erupted in Delhi, claiming the lives of 53 people and injuring hundreds more. Several individuals were arrested in connection with the violence, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who have been charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Delhi Police's Opposition to Bail
The Delhi Police has vehemently opposed the bail plea of the accused, arguing that they were involved in a "clinical, pathological, and planned conspiracy" by forces hostile to India. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma cited Supreme Court verdicts to support his argument that bail cannot be granted under UAPA due to the seriousness of the offenses alleged.
Accused's Arguments for Bail
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam have spent many years in prison awaiting trial. They have argued for bail, citing the delay in their trial proceedings. However, ASG Sharma blamed the accused for the delay, arguing that they had been engaging in dilatory tactics.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the UAPA? The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is an Indian anti-terrorism law that grants sweeping powers to law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting terrorist-related offenses.
2. What are the allegations against Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam? Khalid and Imam have been charged under UAPA for allegedly conspiring to incite violence during the Delhi riots. They are accused of making inflammatory speeches and encouraging protesters to take up arms.
3. Why is the Delhi Police opposing bail for the accused? The Delhi Police argues that the accused are a flight risk and that their release on bail could jeopardize the ongoing investigation. They also maintain that the seriousness of the charges warrants denial of bail.
4. What are the arguments in favor of granting bail? The accused argue that they have strong roots in the community and are not likely to abscond. They also contend that the delay in their trial violates their right to a speedy trial.
5. What is the status of the bail hearing? The Delhi High Court is currently hearing the bail plea of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The court will consider the arguments of both the prosecution and the defense before making a decision.
Government officials in the UK are facing backlash from citizens as Storm Bram brings heavy rain and winds, leading to flood warnings and potential risks to life. Good Morning Britain presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid raised concerns about the lack of warning to those living in affected areas, while viewers expressed frustration over inconsistent warning systems. With severe weather conditions expected to continue throughout the country, citizens are calling for better communication and preparation from their government.
A shocking conspiracy was uncovered by the Bihar Police when they arrested an individual from Bhojpur for allegedly issuing death threats to MP Pappu Yadav. The whole scheme was concocted by his close associates to garner enhanced security for Yadav. The arrested man, Ram Babu, has confessed to making a threatening video at the behest of the MP's associates, who had promised him a position in their party. Police are still investigating the instigator of this plot and are also looking into other aspects of the case.
Congress-led UDF emerged as the leading force in the Kerala local body elections, securing a majority in 505 out of 941 Grama Panchayats. Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA made significant gains, winning the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the first time and retaining key municipalities. Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited the victories to PM Narendra Modi's leadership and vision for "Vikasita Keralam".
In a significant victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), three women candidates secured seats in the Kerala local body elections. Former Mayor and MCD AAP Councillor Dr. Shelly Oberoi congratulated the winners, praising their success as a strong example of women's empowerment. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his gratitude to the people of Kerala for giving a decisive verdict in favor of the United Democratic Front (UDF), while Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged and praised the efforts of BJP workers in the state. This outcome reflects the increasing support for female leaders and potentially hints at a greater shift towards progressive politics in the state.
As the counting for the local body elections in Kerala began, the Congress-led UDF is in the lead in most of the city and town local bodies. This two-phase election, held on December 9 and 11, has seen a high voter turnout of over 70%. The results of this election will have a significant impact on the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, with local body results often reflecting voter mood. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed confidence in the UDF alliance's chances in the upcoming Assembly polls.
R Sreelekha, the former DGP and BJP's mayoral candidate in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, secured a victory in the Sasthamangalam ward and pledges to deliver a corruption-free administration if given the chance to serve the public. Other notable victories in the corporation elections include former district president VV Rajesh and UDF mayoral candidate KS Sabarinathan. However, some high-profile defeats were seen, including actor Poojapura Radhakrishnan and Congress leader Johnson Joseph. Independent candidate Pattoor Radhakrishnan and Congress candidate Mary Pushpam also emerged victoriously in their respective wards.
According to sources, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal has identified a total of 58,80,202 voters who may be excluded from the draft voter list. This includes people who have passed away, transferred, missing, and identified as 'fake' by the Election Commission. These numbers are subject to change in the final list, which is set to be published on February 14, 2022. The commission has divided voters into three categories - own mapping, progeny mapping, and non-mapping - depending on their presence in the 2002 voter list. Those not falling into any of these categories will be called for a hearing by the EC.
In a significant shift in voter sentiment, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is set for a decisive win in the Kerala local body elections, dealing a major setback to the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The UDF has consolidated its gains across urban local bodies, while the LDF's last-minute welfare push failed to curb anti-incumbency. The NDA also made significant gains, underlining its expanding presence in urban Kerala.
In a major upset, the BJP-led NDA has won the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, ending the CPI(M)-led LDF's 45-year reign. The victory, with the NDA winning 50 out of 101 seats, is a boost for BJP's aspirations in Kerala's upcoming Assembly elections. The party's strong focus on development and Hindutva in Thiruvananthapuram, under the leadership of state unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, proved successful despite challenges faced during the campaigning. This victory has put the BJP in a strong position for the 2021 Assembly elections.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has taken a huge lead in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, giving a setback to the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Initial trends show the NDA leading in 25 wards, while the LDF is ahead in 15 wards and the UDF in 10 wards. This is a major blow to the LDF ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, with a record voter turnout of 73.69%. The State Election Commission has also commended the peaceful conduct of the elections.