Delhi’s Karkardooma Court on Monday has granted interim bail to Shadab Ahmad for 8 days, an accused in the larger conspiracy related to the 2020 Delhi riots, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Ahmad requested a 20-day interim bail to attend his younger sister’s wedding in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for November 2.
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai approved the interim bail, citing the significance of the family event.
The court stated, “Considering the fact that the applicant has to attend the marriage of his real sister, the court deems it justified that the applicant is granted the desired relief. Accordingly, the application is allowed.”
The court’s order, issued on October 18, allows Shadab Ahmad to be released on bail from October 29 to November 5, contingent upon him providing a personal bond of Rs.20,000 and one surety of the same amount. After the bail period ends, he is required to surrender to the Jail Superintendent by the evening of November 5, 2024.
Shadab Ahmad has been in judicial custody since his arrest on May 20, 2020. His previous requests for regular and interim bail had been denied. In his current application, Ahmad emphasized his role as the eldest son, highlighting his importance in the wedding ceremonies. He mentioned that his family resides in the ancestral village of Mohalla Sarai Qasba Basta in Bijnor, and that his father, over 60 years old, and his younger brother, who is occupied with competitive exams, would benefit from his presence.
The Delhi police submitted a response to the bail application, confirming the details of the wedding. They acknowledged that the venue for the marriage had been booked by Ahmad’s father for November 2.
However, the police opposed the bail request, arguing that Ahmad’s family includes another son, Shabaad, aged 25 or 26, who could assist with the wedding arrangements. Additionally, they raised concerns about Ahmad’s ties to Delhi, stating that he is not a permanent resident and lacks substantial roots in the community.
The court’s decision to grant interim bail reflects a balancing act between the personal circumstances of the accused and the serious nature of the charges against him. As Ahmad prepares to attend his sister’s wedding, the legal proceedings surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots continue to unfold, highlighting the complexities of individual rights amid larger societal tensions.
