New Delhi: Former JNU scholar and activist Umar Khalid on Wednesday withdrew his bail plea from the Supreme Court in a case lodged against him under anti-terror law UAPA over his alleged involvement in the conspiracy behind the northeast Delhi riots of February 2020, saying he will try his luck before the trial court.

Khaild’s bail application was pending in the top court since April 6, 2023 and the proceedings were adjourned 13 times because of a variety of reasons.

A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal was told by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khalid, that he wishes to withdraw the application due to “change in circumstances”.Sibal said, “I wish to

argue the legal question (challenging UAPA provisions) but want to withdraw the bail plea due to change in circumstances.” We will try our luck in trial court.”

The senior lawyer, however, did not elaborate on the “change in circumstances”.

The bench accepted Sibal’s request and allowed the application to be withdrawn.

Khalid had appealed against the October 18, 2022 order of the Delhi High Court by which his bail application was rejected.

He also filed a separate plea challenging the constitutional validity of various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The High Court declined him bail, saying he was in constant touch with other co-accused and the allegations against him were prima facie true.

The High Court had also said the actions of the accused prima facie qualified as “terrorist act” under the UAPA.