Sharjeel Imam Gets 10-Day Interim Bail in Delhi Riots Case

A Delhi court has granted 10 days of interim bail to activist Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, allowing him temporary release to attend his brother’s wedding and care for his ailing mother.

The relief was granted by Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Courts, who approved Imam’s plea for interim bail. The court directed that he will remain out of custody for a limited period of 10 days and must surrender again after the stipulated time.

Why Did the Court Grant Interim Bail to Sharjeel Imam?

The court allowed the temporary bail considering family circumstances, including Imam’s request to attend his brother’s wedding and take care of his sick mother.

Interim bail is a short-term relief granted by courts in specific situations, usually for humanitarian reasons such as medical emergencies, family events or other unavoidable circumstances.

What Is the Case Against Sharjeel Imam?

Sharjeel Imam is one of the accused in cases linked to the violence that occurred in Delhi in 2020. Authorities allege that the unrest was part of a wider conspiracy that resulted in clashes, damage to property and disruption of public life in several areas of the capital.

The case also includes allegations related to events around Jamia Millia Islamia during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in late 2019.

What Did the Court Say Earlier About His Role?

In an earlier order, the court had framed charges against Imam in connection with the Jamia Millia Islamia violence case.

At that time, the court observed that he was not merely an instigator but allegedly part of a larger plan connected to the violence. The court had also examined a speech delivered near Jamia Millia Islamia University on December 13, 2019, which it described as highly provocative.

What Charges Does Sharjeel Imam Face?

Imam has been booked under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including charges related to:

• Criminal conspiracy
• Abetment
• Rioting and unlawful assembly
• Promoting enmity between different groups
• Attempt to commit culpable homicide
• Obstructing a public servant
• Causing damage using fire or explosive substances

He also faces charges under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (PDPP Act).

What Did the Court Say About the Nature of the Riots?

In an order dated March 7, the court observed that the large gathering of people and the riots that followed were unlikely to have occurred suddenly or accidentally.

According to the court, such large-scale unrest suggested the possibility of prior planning and coordination among individuals allegedly leading or encouraging the crowd, while others later joined the protests.

What Was Said About the 2019 Speech?

The prosecution argued that Imam’s speech on December 13, 2019 encouraged people to organise a “chakka jam”, or blockade of public roads.

The court had earlier observed that Imam, who was a senior PhD student at the time, delivered the speech in a manner that primarily addressed members of the Muslim community while indirectly criticising others.

According to the court’s observations, the speech could provoke anger and potentially lead to large gatherings blocking public movement.

What Happens Next in the Case?

Sharjeel Imam will remain out of custody for the 10-day interim bail period granted by the court. After the period ends, he is required to surrender before the authorities as directed by the court while the trial proceedings in the case continue.

The case remains one of several high-profile legal proceedings linked to the 2020 Delhi riots investigations.