Fingers being raised at India’s judicial system from inside
Umar, Sharjeel should have got bail much earlier, says ex-SC judge
New Delhi: Former Indian Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia has said that student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam should have been granted bail much earlier.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Dhulia made the remarks while speaking at the Third Sir Syed Lecture in New Delhi where he discussed the vision of justice under the Indian Constitution. He expressed concern over their prolonged custody.
“My personal opinion is that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam should have got bail much earlier,” Dhulia said.
Khalid and Imam have been in custody in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case and face charges under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Both have denied the allegations against them.
The remarks come amid a wider debate over prolonged pre-trial detention, the right to a speedy trial and the balance between national security laws and personal liberty. Bail does not determine guilt or innocence, which must be established through the legal process.
Dhulia’s comments are being seen as fingers being raised at the judicial system from inside over delay in bail in UAPA cases.
