Umar Khalid: Six Years in Jail Without Trial, A Human Rights Concern
Activist Umar Khalid reflects on nearly six years of incarceration in Tihar Jail without trial under India's anti-terror law, the UAPA. His interview highlights the profound psychological toll and perceived dehumanization, sparking renewed debate on dissent and due process in India.
Key Highlights
- Umar Khalid jailed for nearly six years without trial since September 2020.
- Detained under stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- Accused of being a 'key conspirator' in 2020 Delhi riots, denies all charges.
- Bail repeatedly denied by courts, including Supreme Court.
- Expresses profound psychological toll and feeling dehumanized in prison.
- Criticizes perceived silence of opposition and civil society on political prisoners.
Student activist and former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scholar Umar Khalid has spent nearly six years in Delhi's Tihar Jail without trial, facing charges under India's stringent anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). His recent interview with The Guardian, conducted through family and friends due to incarceration conditions, sheds light on the profound psychological impact of his prolonged detention and his unyielding critique of the current political climate in India.
Khalid was arrested on September 14, 2020, in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. Delhi Police have accused him of being a 'key conspirator' behind the communal violence and of plotting a 'violent regime change.' He has consistently denied all allegations, describing the case against him as 'dystopian' and politically motivated. Police filings have alleged that his speeches instigated and facilitated the riots.
Despite having been in custody for nearly six years, the trial in the main Delhi riots conspiracy case against Khalid has yet to commence. This extended pre-trial detention has drawn widespread criticism from international human rights organizations and activists, who view his case as emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent in India.
Khalid's numerous applications for bail have been repeatedly denied by various judicial bodies, including the Karkardooma Court, the Delhi High Court, and the Supreme Court. In January 2026, the Supreme Court acknowledged the delay in his trial but, citing the seriousness of the charges, denied him bail. However, fresh bail pleas were moved in a Delhi court in June 2026, with arguments citing his prolonged incarceration without trial as a violation of fundamental rights. He has been granted interim bail on a few occasions for short periods, such as to attend his sister's marriage and to care for his ailing mother.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), under which Khalid is charged, is India's primary anti-terrorism law but has been widely criticized for its stringent provisions, particularly those making bail difficult and allowing for prolonged detention without conviction. Critics argue that the UAPA's broad definitions of 'unlawful activity' and 'terrorist act' are prone to misuse, enabling the government to target and silence activists, journalists, and other critics. Data indicates a very low conviction rate under UAPA, with a significant percentage of individuals remaining imprisoned for years awaiting trial.
In his interview, Khalid candidly shared the psychological toll of his incarceration. He stated, 'Humanity is a privilege that is not granted to people like me,' reflecting on how public propaganda has dehumanized him, even leading fellow prisoners to refer to him as a 'terrorist.' He described the constant struggle to maintain his humanity and sanity, noting that the long years in prison have 'wreaked havoc on my mind and body.' Despite his challenging circumstances, Khalid maintains his political convictions, expressing concern over what he perceives as the 'normalisation and glorification of hate speech and genocidal language' in India, suggesting that the country is becoming a 'post-truth society.'
Khalid also voiced his disappointment and sense of isolation regarding the perceived silence of opposition parties, civil society groups, and celebrity activists concerning the growing number of political prisoners in India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power. He emphasized that this silence 'emboldens this regime to go after further dissidents.' The publication of his 'prison reading list' in The Hindu further underscores his intellectual resilience and how reading has been a source of solace during his detention.
This story is highly relevant to an Indian audience as it addresses critical issues of civil liberties, the judicial process, and the state of dissent under the UAPA. It also resonates globally due to its implications for human rights and democratic values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Umar Khalid and why was he arrested?
Umar Khalid is an Indian student activist and former JNU scholar. He was arrested on September 14, 2020, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged role as a 'key conspirator' in the 2020 Delhi riots and for supposedly plotting 'violent regime change'. He denies all charges, claiming they are politically motivated.
What is the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and why is it controversial?
The UAPA is India's primary anti-terrorism law. It is controversial due to its stringent provisions, which make obtaining bail exceptionally difficult, leading to prolonged pre-trial detention. Critics argue that its broad definitions of 'unlawful activity' can be misused to suppress dissent and target activists, and it has a very low conviction rate.
Has Umar Khalid's trial started or has he been granted bail?
No, Umar Khalid's trial has not yet started, despite him being in jail for nearly six years. His bail applications have been repeatedly denied by various courts, including the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court. He has only been granted interim bail for brief periods to attend family events.
What has been the impact of his incarceration on Umar Khalid?
Umar Khalid has described a profound psychological and physical toll from his prolonged incarceration. He stated, 'Humanity is a privilege that is not granted to people like me,' and reported feeling dehumanized by public propaganda, which has even led fellow prisoners to label him a 'terrorist'.
What is the significance of The Guardian interview?
The Guardian interview is notable as Umar Khalid's first public statement from jail since his 2020 arrest. It provides a rare direct insight into his experiences, mental state, and continued political convictions, bringing renewed international attention to his case and the broader issues of human rights and dissent in India.
