New Delhi, Gulfisha Fatima, a Muslim MBA student, has now been in a Delhi jail for four years, with her detention drawing increased scrutiny and calls for justice from activists and journalists. Her arrest, in the wake of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests and subsequent Delhi riots, has become a focal point for discussions on civil liberties and legal proceedings in India.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Fatima’s continued incarceration since her arrest on April 9, 2020, underscores the contentious aftermath of the CAA protests. Despite completing four years behind bars, including four Eids, her bail application remains pending with the Delhi High Court yet to issue a verdict.

Journalist Rana Ayyub and human rights activist Teesta Setalvad have voiced strong criticisms of Fatima’s detention, labeling it arbitrary and highlighting her contributions to the equal citizenship movement. Meanwhile, Natasha Narwal, another activist who faced arrest under similar charges but later received bail, pointed out the significant toll of Fatima’s prolonged detention.

Fatima’s case is part of a broader pattern of arrests following the 2020 Delhi riots, with charges including murder, rioting, and sedition under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The case reflects the intense legal and social ramifications of the protests against the CAA, involving several activists like Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi, who remain imprisoned without bail.

The situation continues to evoke a strong response from various sectors of society, demanding a reevaluation of the use of stringent laws like UAPA and a call for the release of political prisoners.