Delhi High Court is set to review the bail plea of student activist Sharjeel Imam, who stands accused in connection with the 2020 communal riots case. The case involves allegations of sedition and unlawful activities.
Sharjeel Imam, who had previously been implicated in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) related to a purported broader conspiracy linked to the 2020 Delhi riots, has appealed for bail before the Delhi High Court. This appeal comes after a trial court had denied him statutory bail.
Imam's legal representative, Senior advocate Nitya Ramakrishnan, argued before a bench comprising Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain that despite the provocative nature of Imam's speeches, they did not incite violence and were aligned with Gandhian principles.
Ramakrishnan further contended that there was no evidence linking Imam to terrorist activities or conspiracy with his co-accused. Additionally, she highlighted Imam's presence at Shaheen-Bagh, a peaceful protest site, and his advocacy for similar peaceful gatherings, arguing that they did not align with a violent ideology.
The Delhi High Court had issued a notice to the Delhi Police regarding Imam's plea, and now it remains to be seen how the court will adjudicate on this matter.