Delhi High Court on Wednesday rejected the bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots conspiracy case. The court said it could not modify the Supreme Court’s January 5 order, making this the third time the High Court has refused bail to both accused.

Khalid and Imam are booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) over allegations of being key conspirators behind the February 2020 Delhi riots. The violence, which broke out during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), claimed 53 lives and left more than 700 people injured.

The two had approached the High Court after a trial court rejected their bail applications earlier this year. Opposing their pleas, Delhi Police argued that they were the masterminds behind the alleged conspiracy. The High Court’s latest order means both will continue to remain in judicial custody while the trial proceeds.