The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, stating they played a "central" and "qualitatively different" role compared to other accused. The court granted bail to five co-accused—Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed—emphasizing individual assessment of culpability. The apex court noted that while delay in trial is a factor, it does not automatically displace statutory safeguards under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).