Interim Bail Granted to Sharjeel Imam for Cousin’s Marriage Rituals

A Delhi trial court has issued an interim bail order for Sharjeel Imam, who remains in custody on charges related to the 2020 North‑East Delhi riots. The temporary bail, effective from October 4 to October 10, allows Imam to participate in the wedding ceremonies of his cousin.

The decision was delivered by Justices Pratibha M. Singh and Vikas Mahajan after the Delhi Police were asked to reply to Imam’s challenge against the trial court’s earlier refusal to grant regular bail. Imam faces accusations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other legal provisions for alleged involvement in the violent disturbances that erupted in February 2020.

Earlier filings for regular bail by Imam and co‑accused Umar Khalid had been dismissed, with the trial court referencing a Supreme Court order dated January 5 that imposes a ban on bail under UAPA section 43D(5) unless specific evidentiary thresholds are met. The Supreme Court later provided six‑month interim bail to two other accused, Tasleem Ahmed and Khalid Saifi, and asked a larger bench to review whether prolonged detention before trial could justify bail despite the statutory bar.

Delhi police continue to oppose Imam’s bail, describing him as the mastermind behind the alleged conspiracy and contending that the Supreme Court’s prior ruling precludes any fresh consideration of bail requests. The case remains linked to investigations of a purported large‑scale plot behind the February 2020 riots.