India, Jan. 8 -- The Supreme Court's recent decision to deny bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case reaffirms a clear judicial stance: when a serious, systemic conspiracy affecting national security is prima facie made out under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

It is a uniform principle in criminal law that, for bail to be granted, the accused must show they are not prima facie involved in the case. In contrast, the material on record disclosed prima facie involvement of Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid in a deep-rooted and well-orchestrated criminal conspiracy relating to the North-East Delhi riots of February 2020. Material relied upon against them, in the form of speeches, meetings,...