Delhi Court Approves Interim Bail for Sharjeel Imam to Attend Family Wedding
A Delhi court has granted 10 days of interim bail to Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the high-profile 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, allowing him to attend his brother's wedding ceremonies. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai issued the order, providing relief from March 20 to March 30, 2025.
Bail Conditions and Legal Background
Imam must furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with two sureties to secure his release. The court imposed strict conditions, including that he shall only meet family members, relatives, and friends during this period. He is prohibited from contacting any witnesses connected to the case and cannot use social media or interact with the media.
This development comes months after the Supreme Court, in January 2025, refused to grant bail to Imam and co-accused Umar Khalid in the same Delhi riots conspiracy case. Imam has been in jail since January 2020, facing multiple cases related to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). While he has secured bail in other matters, he remains incarcerated in the Delhi riots case, where police invoked the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Defense Arguments for Interim Relief
The defense had sought a six-week interim bail, arguing that Imam has been in continuous incarceration for over five years and five months. They emphasized that he is the sole sibling of the groom and that there was no one else in the family to manage wedding arrangements. Additionally, the defense stated that Imam's younger brother is the primary caregiver for their ailing mother, and Imam wished to spend time with her during this period.
The wedding ceremonies, spanning about a week, are scheduled to take place in Bihar and Lucknow later this month.
Prosecution Opposition and Court's Decision
The prosecution strongly opposed the bail plea, contending that Imam's presence was not required for any indispensable wedding rituals. They noted that arrangements such as banquet bookings, hotel reservations, and travel plans were already completed, indicating the ceremonies could proceed without him.
Regarding his mother's health, the prosecution submitted that she is receiving treatment at a hospital in Vasant Kunj and there is no emergent or life-threatening condition warranting his release. They also highlighted that Imam's regular bail application was dismissed by the trial court on May 28, 2024, and the Delhi High Court rejected an appeal on September 2, 2025. The Supreme Court further declined bail on January 5, 2025, imposing a one-year restriction on filing fresh bail applications.
The prosecution argued that the request for six weeks was excessive and disproportionate, given the serious allegations against Imam. They expressed concerns that if released, he might tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court granted the 10-day interim bail, balancing humanitarian grounds with legal safeguards.
