New Delhi: Delhi's Karkardooma Court on Friday extended the judicial custody of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) alumnus leader Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam till 20 November. Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat, after conducting the hearing through video conferencing today directed the Tihar Jail Superintendent to allow Umar Khalid to exit the jail as per rules.
"Is Umar a zoo animal?"
As soon as the trial started, the court asked the jail superintendent that you are accused of not letting Umar Khalid get out of the cell. To which the prison superintendent said that it was not the case and that they are following the rules and Umar is getting the same facilities as other prisoners.
Sharing the jail superintendent's response, Khalid's lawyer, Tridip Pius, shared a copy of the reply on-screen during video conferencing so that Umar Khalid could see it. Raising objection, Tridip pointed to the last two entries of the reply and said Umar was not allowed outside the jail cell even after 30 hours. He has not been told the time of exit, to which the court said that they too have read it.
Umar Khalid's lawyer then asked if Umar was a zoo animal. Why is he not treated like a normal person? Then the jail superintendent said that Umar Khalid is allowed to go out daily as per routine and that he was also out yesterday.
After complaint, improved situation
The prison superintendent said that the prison is usually open until sunset. The jail is open from sunrise to twelve noon and from three o'clock to sunset. The court then asked if Umar Khalid got permission to get out. Then the jail superintendent said yes but there is a question of security. Then the court said what could be the conditions therein, how often you allow him to get out. The prison superintendent then said that he is allowed to move out like other prisoners.
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The court then asked Umar if he was allowed to get out of the cell to which he said that he was not being allowed, however, when they complained to the court yesterday, there has been an improvement. Prison superintendents came to us and took us out. Before that, we used to get out for only half an hour. He added, "We have not even been allowed to meet anyone for the last few days. I hope the situation improves."
During the hearing, Umar Khalid requested books and warm clothes to which the jail superintendent said that they will allow it.
No permission to exit cell
On October 22, on the complaint of Umar Khalid of not being allowed to get out of the jail cell, the court directed the jail superintendent to appear. During the hearing, Umar Khalid complained to the court that I am not allowed to go out of my cell and no one is allowed to talk to me. It is like solitary confinement.
Charges made under UAPA are false
On September 24, the court sent Umar Khalid to judicial custody till October 22. During the hearing, lawyer Tridip Pius had said that Umar Khalid had been falsely implicated. He was not in Delhi during the riots. During the Delhi riots, he gave a speech in Amravati only. It was said on behalf of Umar Khalid that he is not a member of the Popular Front of India (PFI).
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Khalid also said that his speeches were misinterpreted and that the allegations against him under the UAPA were false. Khalid's lawyer had said that there was no evidence that he provided funds to the Delhi rioters.
Was arrested on 13 September
Umar Khalid was arrested on September 13 at night by the Special Cell after about ten hours of questioning. On September 17, the court took cognizance of the charge sheet filed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police regarding the Delhi riots. On September 16, the special cell arrived carrying two boxes full of charge sheet of about 18 thousand pages against Khalid.
