New Delhi | 14 January 2026:

Days after the Supreme Court granted bail to five accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, another accused, Athar Khan, has moved a city court seeking bail on the grounds of parity. Khan has argued that he is facing charges similar to those against the accused who were recently granted relief by the apex court.

Athar Khan, a former call centre employee, is accused of being one of the main organisers of protests at Chand Bagh in northeast Delhi during the anti-CAA/NRC agitation. According to the Delhi Police Special Cell, he allegedly participated in secret meetings where inflammatory statements were made, including a call that “the time has come to burn Delhi.” Police have also accused him of coordinating the destruction of CCTV cameras during the violence.

The bail application was filed before Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai, who has listed the matter for hearing on January 19, 2026. The application states that the Supreme Court granted bail to other accused facing similar charges and that Khan stands on the same legal footing. The trial court has already framed charges against him, including criminal conspiracy, along with 10 other alleged organisers and speakers linked to the protests.

Athar Khan is also named in another FIR related to a mob attack that led to the death of Head Constable Ratan Lal during the riots, and in a separate case involving the looting of a showroom. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court granted bail to five accused in the conspiracy case but denied relief to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, citing a stronger prima facie case against them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Of the accused who sought bail, several, including Athar Khan, Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, remain in judicial custody as legal proceedings Delhi Riots Case: Another Accused Moves Court for Bail After Supreme Court Relief to Others

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to five accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, another accused, Athar Khan, has approached a Delhi court seeking similar relief. He has argued that the charges against him are comparable to those faced by the accused who were recently granted bail, and has sought parity in treatment.

Athar Khan, a former call centre employee, is accused by the Delhi Police of being one of the key organisers of the protest at Chand Bagh in northeast Delhi. The Special Cell has alleged that he attended secret meetings where provocative statements were made and played a role in coordinating actions during the violence, including the destruction of CCTV cameras.

The bail plea was filed before Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai, who has scheduled the hearing for January 19, 2026. The court has already framed charges of criminal conspiracy and other offences against Khan, along with several other alleged organisers and speakers linked to the anti-CAA/NRC protests.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court granted bail to five accused in the conspiracy case but denied relief to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, stating that all accused did not stand on the same footing. While some accused have secured bail, several others, including Athar Khan, remain in jail as the legal process continues.