Renewed bail applications after a defined stage

The Court recognised the importance of progress in the trial. Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam may renew bail after protected witnesses are examined or after one year, whichever is earlier. A renewed application must be considered on its own merits. The jurisdictional court must consider the stage then reached. It must not be influenced by the earlier orders or this judgment. The direction addresses continuing concerns about pre-trial detention. It preserves the statutory framework under Section 43D(5). Future consideration is linked to a concrete procedural milestone. (Gulfisha Fatima v. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi) & connected matters | 2026 INSC 2)