The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain the bail plea of student activist Gulfisha Fatima, who sought release in connection with the larger conspiracy behind the 2020 North East Delhi riots. The bench, comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma, directed that Fatima’s case be taken up by the Delhi High Court on November 25.

Fatima has been in custody for over four years, having been arrested in the aftermath of the February 2020 riots, which resulted in the deaths of 53 people and injuries to over 700. The violence had erupted during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Fatima, along with several others, has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly masterminding the violence.