Sharjeel Imam’s legal team mounted a robust challenge to the charges in the high-profile Delhi riots conspiracy trial, insisting his speeches promoted ahimsa, or non-violence, rather than any form of aggression. The submissions were made before Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat, unraveling the narrative built by investigators.
The lawyer presented transcripts and video evidence, pointing out Imam’s repeated urgings for disciplined, non-violent protests against CAA-NRC. ‘He explicitly warned against violence, urging protesters to emulate Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement,’ the counsel argued, countering accusations of sedition and UAPA violations.
Context was key in the defense strategy: Imam’s talks occurred amid massive anti-CAA demonstrations, where tensions simmered due to police actions and counter-protests. The advocate dismissed the ‘conspiracy’ label as a stretch, calling it an attempt to criminalize dissent.
As the riots’ scars linger—marked by burned shops, damaged homes, and lost lives—the case underscores India’s struggle with balancing security and civil liberties. Imam, a former JNU student, remains in custody since his 2020 arrest. Observers await the court’s ruling, which could influence dozens of related trials.
