Supreme Court eases bail conditions for Delhi riots accused Meeran Haider

The Supreme Court of India has relaxed the bail conditions for Meeran Haider, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M. Pancholi ruled that Haider is now required to report to the Crime Branch once a week on Saturdays between 10 am and 12 pm, rather than the previous requirement of twice-weekly reporting on Mondays and Thursdays.

The court also granted Haider an exemption from personal appearances before the police on October 17 and 24 to accommodate his upcoming wedding. The decision followed arguments from senior advocate Siddharth Aggarwal, who cited hardship and difficulties in securing employment due to the existing reporting schedule.

While the reporting frequency was reduced, the court declined to modify other restrictions. Haider remains prohibited from participating in gatherings, addressing rallies, or posting content on social media until the conclusion of his trial. He is facing prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code regarding the communal violence in Delhi.