Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, walked out of jail after nearly six years after security interim bail from a local court to attend his brother’s wedding and to meet his ailing mother.Sharjeel was granted interim bail on March 9 by additional sessions judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma court for a period of 10 days, from March 20 to March 30, 2026.
The court allowed the relief upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with two sureties of the like amount, subject to strict conditions.Imam had sought six weeks’ interim bail, stating that his younger brother, Muzzammil Imam, is scheduled to get married on March 25. His counsel submitted that as the elder sibling, he needed to assist with and participate in wedding ceremonies including Mehendi, Haldi, Nikah and the reception, scheduled between March 22 and March 28. The plea also cited his mother’s ill health, noting that the younger brother—her primary caregiver—would be occupied with the wedding arrangements.The prosecution opposed the plea, arguing that Imam’s presence was not essential for the marriage as preparations had already been made. It also pointed out that his regular bail pleas had earlier been rejected by the trial court, the Delhi high court and the Supreme Court, and raised concerns about possible tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses if he was released.After considering the submissions and verifying the wedding details, the court granted limited relief of 10 days instead of the six weeks sought.During the interim bail period, Imam has been directed not to contact any witness or any person connected with the case, to provide his mobile number to the investigating officer and keep it active, and to refrain from interacting with the media or using social media. He has also been instructed to meet only family members and remain either at his residence or at the venues of the wedding functions.The court further directed that he must surrender before the jail superintendent on the evening of March 30, and a compliance report is to be submitted thereafter.
Poll
What is your view on the prosecution’s argument against Sharjeel Imam’s bail request?
The case relates to the February 2020 riots in northeast Delhi, which left over 50 people dead and more than 700 injured. According to Delhi Police, the violence was part of a pre-planned conspiracy in the backdrop of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.(With agency inputs)
