India, Jan. 5 -- Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, accused in the "larger conspiracy" case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots, may not be afforded another bail petition for a year, with the Supreme Court setting a deadline for examination of protected witnesses.

They can apply for bail now after the witness-examination process is done, or completion of one year from Monday's ruling, whichever is earlier.

The top court on Monday rejected Khalid and Imam's bail plea, holding that the gravity and statutory nature of the offences alleged against them, coupled with their purported central role in the conspiracy, disentitled them to relief at this stage.

However, the SC bench of justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria granted bail to five other co-ac...