Sharjeel Imam granted interim bail; Delhi HC to hear bail pleas Sept 30

A Delhi court has granted interim bail to activist Sharjeel Imam from October 4 to October 10 to allow him to attend his cousins’ wedding ceremonies in Delhi and Bihar. Imam is currently in custody facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) related to an alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 North-East Delhi riots.

Separately, the Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for September 30 to consider the regular bail pleas of both Imam and former JNU scholar Umar Khalid. The hearing, which was previously adjourned after the prosecution requested more time due to the ill health of Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, will address challenges to earlier trial court decisions that denied their bail.

The Delhi Police continues to oppose bail for both men, characterizing them as “masterminds” of the violence that occurred during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).