Delhi Court Grants Interim Bail to Sharjeel Imam in 2020 Riots Case
A Delhi court has granted 10-day interim bail to student activist Sharjeel Imam in a case related to the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai approved the relief from March 20 to March 30, allowing Imam to attend his brother's wedding. This decision comes after Imam's plea sought six weeks of interim bail.
Sharjeel Imam is among the accused in the conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 communal violence in northeast Delhi, which resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries. The interim bail follows the Supreme Court's rejection of regular bail pleas filed by Imam and fellow activist Umar Khalid on January 6. The Supreme Court observed that prolonged incarceration and trial delays cannot automatically justify bail in cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Putin Congratulates Iran's New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran's new supreme leader, pledging Russia's "unwavering support" to Tehran amid escalating regional tensions. The leadership change occurred after the death of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran last week. Iran's Assembly of Experts announced Mojtaba's selection shortly after midnight on Monday.
Mojtaba Khamenei, long viewed as a potential successor despite holding no formal government office, was chosen over other contenders including Alireza Arafi, Mohsen Araki, and Hassan Khomeini. In a message reported by Reuters, Putin stated that Mojtaba would carry forward his father's legacy and unite the Iranian people "in the face of severe trials."
Thousands Gather in Tehran to Pledge Allegiance to New Leader
Thousands of people gathered at Enghelab Square in Tehran to pledge allegiance to Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to journalists from Agence France-Presse. The crowds carried Iranian flags and portraits of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei. This gathering marked one of the first major public displays of support for Mojtaba Khamenei since he assumed the country's top leadership position following his father's death.
BJP Accuses TMC of Spreading Misinformation in Murmu-Mamata Row
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of running a "fake news factory" after Mamata Banerjee alleged that PM Modi insulted President Droupadi Murmu during a Bharat Ratna ceremony for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani. The BJP's West Bengal unit responded to Banerjee's claim that PM Modi remained seated while President Murmu stood to present an award to LK Advani, stating in a post on X that the allegation was misleading.
This dispute arises amid a separate controversy over the President's reported displeasure with arrangements during her visit to Siliguri, where she attended an international tribal conference. Questions were raised about the change of venue and the absence of senior state representatives, including the Bengal Chief Minister.
Jaishankar Outlines India's Position on Middle East Tensions
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated in the Lok Sabha that India believes dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring developments as the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States intensifies.
Jaishankar mentioned that the government had earlier urged restraint and that the cabinet committee on security met on March 1 to review the situation, particularly the safety of Indians in the region. Over one crore Indian nationals live and work in Gulf countries. The embassies are assisting citizens, including relocating students from Tehran and facilitating travel through Armenia. Jaishankar also noted that contact with Iran's leadership is currently difficult amid ongoing tensions.
