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SC sets aside default bail in 2024 Haldwani riots; directs surrender within two weeks
The Supreme Court on May 4, 2026, set aside the Uttarakhand High Court's January 2025 order granting default bail to two accused in the 2024 Haldwani arson and rioting case, directing them to surrender within two weeks. The court criticized the High Court’s remarks on the investigation’s pace and noted the investigation had progressed expeditiously despite challenges. The ruling allows the regular bail process to proceed on its merits.
Why It Matters
This ruling clarifies the limits of default bail in a high-profile, large-scale investigation and emphasizes timelines and conduct of the investigation, influencing how similar cases may be treated in future.
Timeline
7 Events
Supreme Court sets aside High Court order; directs surrender
May 4, 2026
The Supreme Court, in a May 4, 2026 order, allowed the Uttarakhand government’s appeal, set aside the High Court’s January 2025 order granting default bail, and directed the accused to surrender before the trial court within two weeks. It noted the investigation had progressed with expediency and that the accused waited until September 2024 to file the appeal.
Uttarakhand High Court January 2025 default bail order
January 2025
The Uttarakhand High Court granted default bail to Javed Siddiqui and Arshad Ayub in January 2025.
Appeal to Uttarakhand High Court filed
September 2024
In September 2024, the accused filed an appeal before the Uttarakhand High Court challenging the trial court's rejection of default bail and the extension of time for completion of the investigation.
Investigation time extension ends
July 11, 2024
The extended period for completing the investigation was coming to an end on July 11, 2024.
Charge sheet filed in July 2024
July 7, 2024
A chargesheet against the accused was filed on July 7, 2024, within the extended period for completion of the investigation.
Arrest of two accused on February 9, 2024
February 9, 2024
The two accused, Javed Siddiqui and Arshad Ayub, were arrested on February 9, 2024.
FIR registered in February 2024 for arson and rioting
February 2024
An FIR was registered in February 2024 relating to widespread arson, rioting and damage to public property, including the building of a police station, with multiple accused and witnesses involved across related incidents.