Delhi High Court Denies Bail to Jamia Leaders in 2020 Delhi Riots Case
- MGMMTeam
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
On 2 September 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed the bail applications of Shifa-ur-Rehman, former president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association (AAJMI), and Meeran Haider, a PhD scholar and youth leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Both are accused in the broader investigation related to the 2020 Delhi riots, which affected northeast Delhi. The case involves allegations of criminal conspiracy, rioting, and financial support to protest sites.
Background of the Case
The Northeast Delhi riots of February 2020 resulted in significant casualties, with more than 50 deaths and numerous injuries reported. The Delhi Police Special Cell registered FIR No. 59/2020 against several individuals, alleging involvement in actions that contributed to the communal unrest. Shifa-ur-Rehman and Meeran Haider were among those named in the investigation due to their involvement in organizational and fundraising activities related to protests during that period.
Court’s Observations
A division bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur examined the bail applications. The court highlighted that the allegations involve the collection and distribution of funds, management of protest sites, and participation in activities that potentially sustained violent incidents. While considering the applications, the bench noted that the roles of the accused in the broader investigation distinguished them from other individuals who had been granted bail.
Allegations Against Shifa-ur-Rehman
The prosecution reported that Shifa-ur-Rehman collected approximately ₹8.90 lakh and issued bills in the name of AAJMI to account for the funds. The funds were allegedly used to support multiple protest sites in Delhi, and investigators suggested that some resources were allocated for maintaining the operations of these locations. Rehman has maintained that his activities were related to organizational work for alumni and educational purposes.
Allegations Against Meeran Haider
Meeran Haider is reported to have disbursed around ₹2.33 lakh for protest-related infrastructure. Additionally, investigators stated that Haider delivered speeches at protest sites that were considered inflammatory, allegedly coordinated with other accused individuals. Haider’s legal representatives have described his actions as engagement in academic and student activities, which formed part of their defense during the bail hearing.
Defense Submissions
Both Rehman and Haider’s legal teams highlighted personal circumstances, including their roles as primary family providers and the potential impact of continued detention on dependents. The defense also noted that other individuals accused in the same case had previously been granted bail. The court considered these arguments while evaluating the applications in the context of the ongoing investigation.
Significance of the Decision
The Delhi High Court’s ruling forms part of the judicial process concerning the 2020 riots case. It reflects the ongoing examination of evidence and the application of relevant legal provisions. The case continues to progress through the judicial system, with all accused entitled to pursue legal remedies in accordance with the law.
The MGMM Outlook
The Delhi High Court recently rejected the bail applications of Shifa-ur-Rehman, former president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association, and Meeran Haider, a PhD scholar and youth leader of the RJD, in connection with the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The case involves allegations of organizing protests, raising and distributing funds, and managing protest sites during the period of unrest, which resulted in more than 50 casualties and numerous injuries. Shifa-ur-Rehman is reported to have collected around ₹8.90 lakh, while Meeran Haider reportedly spent ₹2.33 lakh on protest-related infrastructure and delivered speeches at protest sites. Both individuals maintain that their activities were related to organizational and academic purposes.
During the hearing, the defense highlighted personal circumstances, including their roles as primary providers for their families, and noted that others accused in the same case had previously been granted bail. The court considered these factors alongside the ongoing investigation, evaluating the specific roles of Rehman and Haider in relation to the events of the riots. The ruling reflects the continued judicial review of evidence and legal arguments, as proceedings in this high-profile case continue in accordance with established legal processes.
(Sources: OpIndia, Hindustan Times, NDTV)
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