Umar Khalid Case: Eight US Lawmakers Urge India to Ensure Fair Trial

US, Dec 02 : A group of eight United States lawmakers has written to the Indian government urging that activist Umar Khalid be granted a fair and timely trial in accordance with international legal standards. The letter comes days after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly expressed solidarity with Khalid.

The lawmakers addressed the letter to India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, stating that their appeal followed recent interactions with Khalid’s family and growing concern over the length of his pre-trial detention.

US lawmakers flag prolonged detention, due process concerns

The letter is led by Congressman Jim McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. Seven other members of Congress joined the appeal.

According to the lawmakers, McGovern and several colleagues met Umar Khalid’s parents earlier this month. McGovern later referenced the meeting in a post on X, saying the delegation was urging Indian authorities to grant bail and ensure due process.

“Earlier this month, I met with the parents of Umar Khalid, who has been jailed in India for over five years without trial,” McGovern wrote. “We are urging that he be granted bail and a fair, timely trial in accordance with international law.”

In their letter, the lawmakers raised concerns over Khalid’s continued detention under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), noting that independent human rights experts have questioned whether aspects of the law align with international standards on equality before the law, due process, and proportionality.

“Umar Khalid has been detained without bail for five years under UAPA,” the letter said, adding that India must uphold the right to be tried within a reasonable time or released, and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The lawmakers also sought information on steps taken by Indian authorities to ensure that proceedings against Khalid and other co-accused comply with international judicial norms.

Mamdani’s message, recent interim bail

The letter follows a personal message written by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani shortly after he was sworn into office. Mamdani wrote to Khalid recalling his meeting with Khalid’s parents. The message was shared on social media by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna.

“I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you,” Mamdani wrote.

The signatories to the letter include Congressman Jamie Raskin, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Senator Peter Welch, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congressman Jan Schakowsky, and Congressman Lloyd Doggett.

Meanwhile, a Delhi court recently granted Umar Khalid interim bail to attend his sister’s wedding. The Karkardooma Court allowed provisional bail from December 16 to December 29. His sister, Ayesha Fatima Syeda, was married on December 27.

Umar Khalid has been charge-sheeted under the UAPA in connection with the alleged conspiracy behind the North-East Delhi riots. His regular bail plea remains pending before the Supreme Court.