In a significant development in the long-running 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case, a Delhi court has granted 13-day interim bail to Khalid Saifi, one of the accused in the alleged larger conspiracy behind the violence that shook the national capital nearly six years ago.
The court allowed Saifi’s temporary release from February 6 to February 13, enabling him to attend family weddings and observe the holy month of Ramzan with his relatives. The relief was granted after Saifi furnished a personal bond of ₹20,000, subject to strict conditions.
Saifi is the founder of the civil society group United Against Hate (UHA) and has been in judicial custody for several years in connection with the riots conspiracy case, which is being investigated by the Delhi Police under various stringent legal provisions.
Court’s order and conditions of release
The interim bail order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Court. While granting relief, the court underlined that the bail was temporary and humanitarian in nature, and did not reflect on the merits of the case.
In the order dated January 29, the court imposed several conditions to ensure that Saifi does not interfere with the legal process:
- He must not contact or communicate with any witnesses linked to the case.
- He must remain within Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) throughout the bail period.
- He must not interact with journalists, television channels, or digital media platforms.
- He must not post any content on social media, directly or indirectly.
- He must avoid public gatherings or political activities.
The judge also warned that any violation would result in immediate cancellation of bail, and could affect his chances of securing bail in the future.
Why Saifi sought interim bail
According to court documents, Khalid Saifi moved the application on humanitarian grounds. He told the court that two of his nephews were getting married during the bail period and that he also wished to spend time with his family during Ramzan, which holds religious importance.
His legal team argued that Saifi had already spent several years in custody and that a short temporary release would not harm the investigation or the trial.
The prosecution opposed the bail, claiming that Saifi was a key accused in the conspiracy and could influence witnesses if released. However, the court balanced both sides and granted limited relief with restrictions.
Allegations levelled against Khalid Saifi
The Delhi Police have accused Khalid Saifi of playing a central role in the planning and execution of the riots. As per the charge sheet, Saifi allegedly:
- Participated in conspiracy meetings to discuss funding and mobilisation,
- Received money to procure firearms and other weapons,
- Organised a meeting after the riots to coordinate a narrative and cover-up, and
- Asked protesters to disable CCTV cameras to avoid identification.
The police have also claimed that he was part of a larger network that aimed to create unrest and disrupt public order in Northeast Delhi.
Saifi has consistently denied the allegations and claimed that he is being targeted for his activism.
Background of the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots
The Northeast Delhi riots broke out in February 2020, following weeks of political tension and protests in the capital. The violence quickly escalated into large-scale clashes, arson, and mob attacks.
Official figures show that:
- Over 50 people were killed,
- More than 700 were injured,
- Hundreds of homes, shops, and vehicles were destroyed.
It was one of the worst episodes of communal violence in Delhi in decades.
Several activists, students, and community leaders were arrested in the aftermath under laws such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Legal significance of interim bail
Legal experts point out that interim bail is fundamentally different from regular bail.
“Interim bail is temporary relief given for specific reasons like medical emergencies, family events, or religious obligations. It does not mean the accused has been cleared of charges,” said a senior advocate practicing in the Delhi High Court.
Experts also note that courts often impose strict behavioural conditions in such cases, especially when the charges involve public disorder or national security.
Political and civil society reactions
The interim bail order has triggered mixed reactions across political and activist circles.
Supporters of Saifi argue that prolonged detention without conviction raises concerns about civil liberties and due process. Several rights groups have called for a review of arrests made under UAPA in the riots case.
On the other hand, government representatives have maintained that the case involves serious allegations and that the judicial process must be allowed to continue without external pressure.
Pattern of interim bail in riots cases
Saifi is not the first accused in the Delhi riots case to receive temporary bail.
In previous years, courts have granted interim bail to several other accused for reasons such as:
- Medical treatment,
- Family emergencies,
- Religious festivals.
However, most of these accused were required to return to custody after the expiry of their bail period.
This indicates a consistent judicial approach: humanitarian relief without compromising trial integrity.
What happens after February 13
Khalid Saifi is expected to surrender before jail authorities on February 13, once the interim bail period ends.
The trial in the larger conspiracy case is still at a preliminary stage, with witness examinations and evidence scrutiny ongoing.
Legal observers say the case could continue for several more years, given its complexity, the number of accused, and the volume of evidence.
Why this case still matters in 2026
Even six years after the riots, the case continues to shape debates around:
- Use of anti-terror laws like UAPA,
- Speed of India’s criminal justice system,
- Rights of undertrial prisoners,
- Role of civil society in political conflicts.
For many, the Khalid Saifi case represents a test of the balance between state power and individual rights.
Final takeaway
The interim bail granted to Khalid Saifi is a temporary humanitarian relief, not a legal victory. While it allows him to reunite with family for a short period, the serious charges against him remain.
As the trial continues, the case is expected to remain under close public and judicial scrutiny, reflecting broader questions about justice, accountability, and civil freedoms in India.