Sharjeel Imam Granted 10-Day Interim Bail for Brother's Wedding

In a significant legal development, a Delhi court on Monday, March 9, 2026, granted student activist Sharjeel Imam 10 days of interim bail to attend his younger brother's wedding and to care for his ailing mother. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Courts allowed Imam's plea for temporary release, specifically granting him interim bail from March 20 to March 30, 2026. Imam, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scholar, has been in continuous custody since January 2020 in connection with the 'larger conspiracy' case related to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, where charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been invoked against him. This interim relief comes just months after the Supreme Court, in January 2026, refused to grant regular bail to Imam and co-accused Umar Khalid in the same case. The apex court had observed that delay in trial and prolonged incarceration could not be a 'trump card' for securing bail in UAPA cases, particularly when a prima facie case indicating involvement in a criminal conspiracy was established by the prosecution. However, while rejecting their pleas, the Supreme Court had granted bail to five other co-accused, noting that Khalid and Imam stood on a 'different footing' due to a 'hierarchy of culpability'. Sharjeel Imam's counsel had initially sought a six-week interim bail, arguing that as the sole elder sibling of the groom, his presence was crucial for the wedding arrangements and to support his ailing mother, whose primary caregiver, his younger brother, would be occupied with the ceremonies. The defense highlighted that Imam had been incarcerated for over five years without any temporary release. Conversely, the prosecution opposed the request for a six-week period, deeming it 'excessive and disproportionate.' They argued that Imam was not required to perform any 'indispensable ritual' and that wedding arrangements were already being managed without his presence. The prosecution also pointed out that his mother's medical condition did not necessitate his immediate release. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted the 10-day relief, concluding that this limited period would be sufficient for the stated purpose. The court imposed a personal bond of ₹50,000 with two sureties of the like amount. Crucially, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai stipulated strict conditions for Imam's temporary release. He has been directed not to contact any witnesses or persons connected with the case during the bail period. Furthermore, he is prohibited from interacting with the media or using social media. Imam is permitted to meet only family members, relatives, and friends, and must remain at his residence or the venues of the wedding ceremonies mentioned in his application. He is also required to provide his mobile number to the investigating officer and ensure it remains active. Upon the expiry of the interim bail period on the evening of March 30, 2026, Imam is mandated to surrender before the prison authorities. Sharjeel Imam was arrested in January 2020 following multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed across several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. He was accused of delivering inflammatory speeches during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), allegedly inciting violence that led to the Delhi riots in February 2020. While he has secured bail in several other related cases, he has remained incarcerated in the Delhi riots 'larger conspiracy' case, which is considered the most significant due to the invocation of the UAPA. The Delhi Police have maintained that Imam, along with other accused, was a 'key conspirator' and 'mastermind' behind the violence, claiming that the riots were part of a 'pre-planned and well-designed conspiracy' aimed at disrupting public order. The case continues to be at the stage of arguments on the framing of charges, with 17 out of 18 accused having completed their submissions. This grant of interim bail, while temporary, offers a brief respite for Imam and a moment of personal liberty amidst his prolonged legal battle.

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