Opposition questions refusal of bail to Umar, Sharjeel; points out Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s 15th parole

Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M A Baby says the ruling effectively enables the BJP government's 'repressive tactics of targeting voices of dissent'

New Delhi: Opposition leaders on Monday raised questions over the Supreme Court denying bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, while pointing out that rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been repeatedly granted parole.

In a post on X, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M A Baby said the Supreme Court’s decision is shocking.

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“The court’s statement that ‘continued detention has not crossed constitutional impermissibility to override the statutory embargo as against them’ is a travesty of justice. Is languishing in jail for five years, without any possibility of trial starting, not a violation of the fundamental right to life and liberty?” he asked.

Baby said this ruling effectively enables the BJP government’s “repressive tactics of targeting voices of dissent”. “At the same time, convicted rapist Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh walked out of jail today on his 15th parole since his conviction in 2017. This is shameful and unacceptable!” he added.

Taking to X, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas said the principle that “bail is the rule, jail the exception” clearly does not apply when it comes to certain individuals.
“One languishes indefinitely without trial. The other enjoys repeated ‘jail vacations’ on demand,” he said, referring to Singh.

Serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples, Singh walked out of the Sunaria jail in Rohtak on Monday after he was granted a 40-day parole. This is the 15th time he has been granted parole since his conviction in the case in 2017.

The CPI(M) said in a post on X that the continued denial of bail to Khalid and Imam is against the principles of natural justice. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is being used to crush dissent, it charged.

“Prolonged pre-trial incarceration violates the fundamental principle that bail is the rule, not jail, and undermines the constitutional right to liberty and a speedy trial. The continued use of UAPA to target dissenting voices reflects a disturbing pattern of repression and selective justice. We reiterate our demand for the release of all political prisoners,” it said.

Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D Raja said more than five years in jail without a trial is not justice, it is punishment without adjudication.

He said the denial of bail exposes a disturbing double standard in the country’s criminal justice system.