Delhi HC Reviews Sharjeel Imam's Bail Plea In Alleged Riots Conspiracy Case

The Delhi High Court on Friday sought a response from the Delhi Police on a bail plea filed by student activist Sharjeel Imam in a case related to the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots. A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Vikas Mahajan issued notice on Imam’s appeal challenging a trial court order that rejected his second regular bail application. The High Court granted the Delhi Police two weeks to submit its reply and scheduled the matter for further hearing on August 27.

The court’s direction came after Imam approached the High Court seeking relief against the July 4 order of the trial court, which had dismissed his latest bail plea in the case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Imam was arrested on August 25, 2020, and booked under the anti-terror law in connection with allegations that he was among the alleged “masterminds” behind the conspiracy linked to the violence in northeast Delhi. The case is being investigated by the Delhi Police, which has accused several individuals of involvement in planning and coordinating events that allegedly contributed to the riots.

The northeast Delhi violence broke out in February 2020 during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the proposed National Register of Citizens. The clashes resulted in the deaths of 53 people and left more than 700 others injured, making it one of the most serious law and order incidents in the national capital in recent years. Imam has denied the allegations against him and has challenged the proceedings, seeking bail while the trial continues. His legal team has argued for his release, while the prosecution has opposed bail citing the seriousness of the charges and the provisions of the UAPA under which the case has been registered.

Also Read: Court Rejects Bail Plea Of Umar Khalid And Sharjeel Imam In 2020 Riots Case

The case against Imam is part of a broader investigation into allegations of a larger conspiracy behind the riots. Several individuals have been accused under various sections of criminal law and the UAPA in connection with the violence. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings have led to multiple bail hearings before courts in Delhi. The UAPA contains strict conditions for granting bail, requiring courts to assess whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that accusations against an accused are not prima facie true. Cases registered under the law often involve prolonged legal proceedings due to the complexity of investigations and the volume of evidence presented by agencies.

The Delhi High Court’s decision to seek a response from the police does not indicate any conclusion on the merits of Imam’s bail plea. The court will consider the submissions from both sides before deciding whether any relief should be granted. The matter will now come up for hearing on August 27, when the court is expected to examine the arguments of Imam’s legal representatives and the response filed by the Delhi Police. The case remains closely watched due to its connection with the 2020 northeast Delhi riots and the broader legal debate surrounding UAPA cases.

Also Read: Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam Await Delhi Court Decision On Bail In Riots Conspiracy Case