MYSTERIOUS: 2 - You Need To See This

Why Umar Khalid is still in jail

The Supreme Court said this week that the right to a speedy trial applies no matter how serious the offence is. It also said keeping someone in jail for years without real progress in the trial is a punishment, and that if the State cannot ensure a speedy trial, it…

Newslaundry · Jan 12

SC’s baffling bail order rattled the press. Voter rolls exercise should terrify it

It is rare for India’s mainstream media to speak with one voice on an issue that makes the government uncomfortable. It is remarkable, therefore, that almost every major newspaper made strong editorial comments about the recent Supreme Court ruling granting bail to five of those implicated in the 2020 Delhi…

Newslaundry · Jan 9

‘Raises deep concerns’ and ‘disturbing questions’: Newspapers on SC decision to deny Umar Khalid bail

After the Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, several activists and legal experts have raised concerns about what the decision means for liberty and justice. While the court did acknowledge that prolonged incarceration, particularly pre-trial detention, seriously infringes the…

Newslaundry · Jan 6

‘This is their attempt to silence him’: Umar Khalid reaches five years in Indian jail without trial

Held since 2020, India’s most prominent political prisoner has become a symbol of repression under the Modi regime

The Guardian - UK · Sep 20, 2025

South Central 43: Umar Khalid’s UAPA bail rejection and southern leaders' secularism dilemma

In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the long legal process endured by Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others who have been in prison without trial. The hosts are joined by lawyer and activist Shahrukh Alam and Poorna Ravishankar, lawyer and researcher whose focus…

Newslaundry · Sep 14, 2025

‘Trial at natural pace’: What HC said while denying bail to Umar, Sharjeel, others

Hearing the bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and seven others accused in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday denied them relief, according to LiveLaw.

Newslaundry · Sep 2, 2025

Supreme Court’s stray dog ruling: Extremely grim, against rules, barely rational

On Monday, our overworked justice system, which still hasn’t been able to give a verdict on Umar Khalid’s case or hear the case suo motu, found time and inclination to address a far larger problem — the stray dog menace in the capital. You read that right. It appears rapes,…

Newslaundry · Aug 12, 2025

‘Better be in jail till acquitted or convicted’: Solicitor General’s departure from ‘bail is the rule’

In a striking departure from the legal principle that “bail is the rule, jail the exception”, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that those accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case should “better be in jail” until acquitted or convicted.

Newslaundry · Jul 9, 2025

The editorial we didn’t see on Emergency@50: Authoritarianism with anaesthesia in 2025

Anniversaries are a ritual in India. This week, it has been interesting to watch how the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi at midnight on June 25, 1975, is being observed.  

Newslaundry · Jun 26, 2025

We can't give you endless time": Delhi HC to police while hearing bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam

While hearing the Special public prosecutor (SPP) for Delhi police who was opposing the bail pleas of Umar Khalid

Dynamite News · Jan 21, 2025