The Supreme Court denies bail in the Delhi riots accused of Salim Malik, who is being sued by the UAPA

The Delhi High Court on Monday denied bail to Salim Malik, also known as Munna, in connection with a case related to the larger conspiracy during the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. The charges against him include charges under the stringent Unlawful Activity (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Malik is accused of making provocative speeches during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. He is alleged to have incited people to join protests against the central government, using religion as motivation.

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Allegations against Malik include plotting to destroy CCTV cameras in the Chand Bagh area, delivering speeches intended to disrupt religious harmony, and actions that threaten the country’s unity and sovereignty.

The High Court denied bail as there was sufficient prima facie evidence against him. According to court documents, there is substantial material available pointing to his involvement as a co-conspirator.

The courts ruled that although public demonstrations fall within the rights protected by Article 19(1), when they become violent, damage property and harm lives, they cross over into illegal activities.

While the court noted the rights of citizens to protest, it emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding violence. Meetings in Chand Bagh, attended by Malik, included open discussions about riotous violence and the burning of Delhi, behavior considered unacceptable in a democratic country.

Additional observations revealed conversations about financing, arranging weapons, purchasing gasoline bombs for possible assassinations, and committing arson. There were also plans to destroy installed CCTV cameras in the area, all of which contributed to the court’s decision to deny bail to Malik.