Activist Sharjeel Imam, accused of involvement in a “larger conspiracy” behind the 2020 Delhi riots, has approached the court seeking interim bail for 2 weeks to participate in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled in 2 phases — on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting slated for November 14. Imam has filed his bail application before Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai at the Karkardooma Courts, where the Delhi riots case is being heard.
Imam requests bail from October 15 to October 29 to contest as an independent candidate from the Bahadurganj constituency in Kishanganj district. Notably, polling in Bahadurganj will take place during the election’s 2nd phase.
In his petition, Imam refers to himself as a “political prisoner and a student activist.” He explains that contesting as an independent candidate means he lacks party backing, and only his younger brother—who is also responsible for their ailing mother—is available to assist him with nomination and campaign activities.
He emphasizes the critical timing of the election process, stating that the nomination filing window opens on October 13 and closes on October 20. Being physically present in his constituency during this period is essential for submitting his nomination papers.
Background
Sharjeel Imam has been in jail for over 5 years. He was arrested in January 2020 in connection with speeches he delivered during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), held in Delhi, Aligarh, Asansol, and Chakband.
According to the police charge sheet, Imam’s speeches allegedly incited members of the Muslim community, which allegedly triggered the violent riots in North East Delhi in February 2020. The clashes resulted in 53 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Delhi Police have maintained that the riots were part of a larger conspiracy aimed at defaming the Narendra Modi government, orchestrated by those opposing the citizenship law.
Imam faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, as well as sections of the Indian Penal Code related to sedition, promoting enmity between groups on religious and racial grounds, and making statements that promote hatred or ill-will between classes.
On September 2, the Delhi High Court denied Imam’s plea for regular bail in the riots case. Subsequently, he approached the Supreme Court, which on September 22 issued notice to the Delhi Police seeking their response to the bail petitions filed by Imam and others involved in the case.
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