The Delhi High Court has granted interim bail for 10 days to Mohd. Salim Khan, an accused in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots case, allowing him to arrange funds for his daughter's academic fees.
A division bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Shalinder Kaur passed the order, permitting Khan to secure funds for his daughter's education at Jamia Hamdard University, where she is pursuing a law degree.
Court Considered Financial Constraints
Khan’s lawyer argued before the court that he had been previously granted interim bail multiple times and had never misused the relief. The lawyer emphasized that Khan needed financial assistance to ensure his daughter could continue her legal studies.
The defense informed the court that Khan had stocks worth ₹16 lakh from his previous business, which he intended to sell to raise ₹1.75 lakh required for his daughter's third and fourth semester fees.
“I'll sell the stocks and make an FDR. I am only seeking interim bail for two weeks. I'll get out, sell the stocks. I have been inside for around five years. My bail is pending before this court,” the counsel stated.
Prosecution’s Opposition
SPP Amit Prasad, representing the prosecution, opposed the plea, arguing that Khan had previously sought bail for similar reasons. He also contended that since Khan’s son was currently handling the business, there was no necessity for Khan himself to sell the stocks.
Despite this argument, the court took into account Khan’s custody since 2020 and noted that he had been granted interim bail four times in 2023 and 2024, always surrendering on time.
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High Court's Decision on Bail
After reviewing the case details, the court granted Khan 10 days of interim bail, subject to the same conditions imposed during his last release in December 2024.
"Keeping in view the above facts, we direct the release of the appellant for 10 days from the date of his release, subject to the conditions that were placed on him while last releasing on bail in December 2024," the court ruled.
Khan was directed to:
- Furnish a personal bond of ₹20,000.
- Provide one surety of the same amount to the satisfaction of the trial court.
Additionally, the court explicitly stated that this bail cannot be used as a reason to seek further relief on similar grounds.
Background of the Case
Khan had earlier challenged the trial court’s order of March 25, which denied his interim bail request. Before the trial court, Khan argued that financial difficulties had prevented him from paying his daughter’s academic fees.
The trial court rejected his plea, pointing out that he had been granted four previous interim bails for different reasons and had earlier sought bail citing the need to sell his business stock.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Khan is among several accused individuals charged under FIR 59 of 2020, registered by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Other individuals named in the case include:
- Tahir Hussain
- Umar Khalid
- Khalid Saifi
- Ishrat Jahan
- Meeran Haider
- Gulfisha Fatima
- Shifa-Ur-Rehman
- Asif Iqbal Tanha
- Shadab Ahmed
- Tasleem Ahmed
- Saleem Malik
- Mohd. Saleem Khan
- Athar Khan
- Safoora Zargar
- Sharjeel Imam
- Faizan Khan
- Natasha Narwal
Title: Mohd. Salim Khan v. State
