New Delhi,Sep.25,2025:The rejection of the Tahir Hussain bail plea by the Delhi High Court has once again drawn national attention to the tragic 2020 Delhi riots. Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Tahir Hussain has been in custody for more than five years in connection with the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma, who was killed during the riots in northeast Delhi-
The case has remained one of the most politically charged trials in recent history, with Hussain at the center of controversy. His repeated attempts for bail highlight the complexity of riot-related cases and the judiciary’s role in balancing individual rights with the gravity of allegations.
Background of the 2020 Delhi Riots Case
The Delhi riots of February 2020 broke out amid protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Clashes between communities led to violence that claimed over 50 lives and left hundreds injured.
Among the most shocking incidents was the murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma, whose body was found in a drain in Chand Bagh, Delhi. The post-mortem revealed multiple stab wounds, sparking nationwide outrage.
The FIR filed on the basis of Sharma’s father’s complaint named Tahir Hussain as a key accused.
Who Was Ankit Sharma and Why His Murder Shook India
Ankit Sharma, a young Intelligence Bureau officer, had gone missing on February 25, 2020. His body was later recovered near Hussain’s residence.
His death became a symbol of the brutality of the riots, leading to widespread demands for justice. The case against Tahir Hussain has largely revolved around Sharma’s killing, making it one of the most closely watched trials.
Timeline of Tahir Hussain’s Bail Applications
Hussain has made multiple bail attempts since his arrest in 2020:
- December 2023: Filed a regular bail plea.
- February 2024: Withdrew it, citing plans to reapply in trial court.
- March 12, 2024: Trial court rejected his bail plea.
- September 2025: Delhi High Court dismissed his fresh bail application.
Each rejection has kept Hussain behind bars, highlighting the court’s cautious approach in such a sensitive case.
Delhi High Court’s Latest Ruling on the Bail Plea
The High Court emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the potential threat to law and order if Hussain were released.
The court noted that the gravity of the crime and the evidence presented against him did not justify bail. This makes it clear that the judiciary is unwilling to take risks in riot-related cases where communal harmony and public trust are at stake.
Legal Grounds for Rejection of Bail
The rejection of the Tahir Hussain bail plea rests on several legal grounds:
- Section 302 IPC (Murder): Hussain faces direct allegations of involvement in Ankit Sharma’s killing.
- Conspiracy charges: Accused of coordinating attacks during the riots.
- Witness statements: Multiple testimonies link him to violent mobs.
- Threat to society: Court highlighted the possibility of unrest if released.
These factors made it nearly impossible for the court to grant him relief.
What the Defense Argued in Tahir Hussain Bail Plea
Hussain’s defense team has consistently argued that.
- He is being politically targeted due to his association with AAP.
- No direct evidence links him to Sharma’s murder.
- He has already spent more than five years in jail without trial conclusion.
- Prolonged incarceration without conviction violates fundamental rights.
However, the High Court found these arguments insufficient in the face of strong prosecution evidence.
Prosecution’s Strong Opposition to Bail
The prosecution opposed bail, stressing.
- The heinous nature of the crime.
- The possibility of Hussain tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
- The need to uphold public faith in the justice system.
This hardline stance ensured that Hussain’s bail plea was rejected once again.
From AAP Councillor to Accused
Tahir Hussain’s political journey took a dramatic turn.
- Once a rising star in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), elected as councillor.
- Suspended from the party after his name surfaced in riot cases.
- Became a symbol of political controversy, with opposition parties attacking AAP for his role.
The Tahir Hussain bail plea thus carries not just legal but also political implications.
Reactions from Victim’s Family and Civil Society
The family of Ankit Sharma welcomed the High Court’s decision, stating that they have been waiting for justice for five years.
Civil society remains divided:
- Some see the prolonged detention without trial as unjustified.
- Others argue that serious riot crimes must be dealt with strictly.
Expert Opinions on the Bail Rejection
Legal experts highlight that bail in riot and terrorism-linked cases is often extremely difficult to secure.
According to senior advocates, courts tend to prioritize societal security over individual liberty when charges involve murder and conspiracy during riots.
This explains why the Tahir Hussain bail plea faced rejection yet again.
Broader Impact on Delhi Riot Cases
The outcome of Hussain’s bail plea could set a precedent for other pending Delhi riots cases. Many accused are still awaiting trial, and prolonged detentions raise questions about judicial delays.
This case underscores the tension between speedy justice and thorough investigation.
How Long Can Tahir Hussain Remain in Jail Without Conviction
Indian law does not allow indefinite pre-trial detention, but in cases involving grave charges like murder, courts are reluctant to release accused until trials conclude.
Unless his trial is fast-tracked, Hussain may remain in jail for years before a final verdict is reached.
Comparing With Other High-Profile Bail Cases in India
The Tahir Hussain bail plea has drawn comparisons with.
- The Umar Khalid case, where bail was denied in UAPA-related charges.
- The Rhea Chakraborty case, where bail was eventually granted after strong media attention.
- The Lalu Prasad Yadav fodder scam case, where repeated bail pleas were rejected before eventual relief.
These comparisons show how high-profile cases often become legal and political battlegrounds.
Lessons from the Tahir Hussain Bail Plea
The rejection of the Tahir Hussain bail plea marks yet another chapter in the long and controversial Delhi riots trial.
For Hussain, it means continued incarceration and an uncertain future. For the judiciary, it highlights the need to balance justice for victims with rights of the accused. And for society, it is a reminder of how deeply the 2020 riots scarred India’s social fabric.
