Delhi High Court Requests Police Input on Sharjeel Imam’s Bail Plea in Riots Case

The Delhi High Court has called for a response from the police regarding activist Sharjeel Imam’s recent application for bail in the conspiracy case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. On Friday, a bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Vikas Mahajan issued a notice pertaining to Imam’s appeal, which challenges a decision by the trial court that denied his second request for regular bail on July 4. The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 27.

Sharjeel Imam, along with fellow activist Umar Khalid and others, was arrested in connection with the violent clashes that erupted in North East Delhi in February 2020. The riots, which stemmed from tensions surrounding the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), resulted in the deaths of 53 individuals and left hundreds more injured, with a significant number of casualties being from the Muslim community.

The allegations against Imam and others include serious charges under various laws, such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the Arms Act, and several sections of the Indian Penal Code. Law enforcement authorities allege that the riots were part of a calculated conspiracy to tarnish the image of the Narendra Modi government, claiming that those involved in the protests against the CAA had orchestrated the violence.

During the latest court proceedings, the judges inquired whether there had been any substantial changes in circumstances that would justify granting bail to Imam. His lawyer, Talib Mustafa, presented arguments asserting that such changes indeed exist, though the specifics of these arguments were not detailed in the court’s statements.

The ongoing legal battle highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots and the broader implications of the CAA, which has been a flashpoint for protests across the country. As the legal processes unfold, the case continues to draw significant attention, reflecting the societal divisions that emerged during this turbulent period.

Source: scroll.in