Opposition leaders on Monday expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case, while convicted rape offender and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was granted another parole on the same day.
The Supreme Court denied bail to Khalid and Imam even as it granted relief to five other co-accused.
Coinciding with the order, Ram Rahim, who is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two of his disciples, walked out of Haryana’s Sunaria jail after being granted a 40-day parole – his 15th temporary release since his 2017 conviction.
Reacting on X, CPI(M) MP John Brittas said the principle of “bail is the rule, jail the exception” appeared to be applied selectively.
He pointed out that Umar Khalid has remained in custody for over five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with the trial yet to begin, while a convicted rapist continues to receive repeated parole.
Opposition leaders said the contrasting judicial outcomes raised serious questions about equality before law and the fairness of the criminal justice system.
