Experts Discuss Prolonged Incarceration and Bail Denial in Umar Khalid Case

At literary and legal forums, including the Jaipur Literature Festival and The Hindu Lit for Life 2026, experts debated the prolonged incarceration and bail denial of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Panelists highlighted concerns over the presumption of innocence, the right to a speedy trial, and the potential misuse of anti-terror laws against dissent. They emphasized judicial scrutiny and questioned whether speech alone should be treated as terrorism, noting broader implications for constitutional rights and free speech in India.