Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Salim Malik in 2020 Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case

The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Salim Malik alias Munna in a case arising out of the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy FIR registered under provisions of the IPC, UAPA, Arms Act and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Madhu Jain was hearing an appeal challenging a January 2026 order refusing bail to the appellant in FIR No. 59/2020.

“After having considered the role of the Appellant, this Court is of the view that the same is similar to the role which is attributed to Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad who had also participated in the meetings, protest and chakka jams. There is no major distinction between the role of the Appellant and the role of Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad…..The Appellant has been in custody for more than five years and ten months as per the latest nominal roll. The stage of the trial is that arguments on charge are being presently heard. Accordingly, the trial is going to take some time. 14. Under these circumstances, bearing in mind the role of the Appellant, this Court is of the view that the Appellant deserves to be released on bail subject to the same conditions as imposed in case of Mohd. Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad by the Supreme Court in Gulfisha Fatima (Supra)”, the Court observed.

The appellant argued that his role was similar to that of co-accused who had already been granted bail by the Supreme Court in the Gulfisha Fatima case. The State opposed the plea, contending that Malik actively participated in conspiracy meetings and played a role in the riots.

According to the prosecution, the appellant attended meetings held on February 16-17 and February 20-21, 2020, where the alleged conspiracy was discussed. He was also accused of participating in riots, pelting stones and bricks, and delivering inflammatory speeches during the violence.

The Court, however, examined the distinction drawn by the Supreme Court between alleged “ideological leaders” and “local facilitators” in the conspiracy case. The Bench noted that the appellant’s role appeared closer to that of local facilitators such as co-accused Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmad, both of whom had already secured bail.

The Court observed that the appellant’s role was operational in nature and did not indicate that he was among the principal strategists or ideological drivers of the alleged conspiracy.

Taking note of the fact that the appellant had remained in custody for more than five years and ten months while the trial was still ongoing, the Court granted him bail on parity with similarly placed co-accused.

The Bench imposed several conditions while granting relief, including furnishing a personal bond, restrictions on movement and residence, surrender of passport, regular appearance before the trial court, non-contact with witnesses, and restrictions on making public statements or participating in gatherings related to the case.

Case Title: Salim Malik Munna v. State Through SHO PS Special Cell

Bench: Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Madhu Jain

Date of Judgement: 21-05-2026