The Supreme Court on Friday instructed the Delhi High Court to expedite the bail hearing of student activist Sharjeel Imam, who is charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for his alleged involvement in the February 2020 Delhi riots case.
#Breaking Supreme Court bench led by Justice Bela Trivedi refuses to entertain a article 32 plea by Sharjeel Imam seeking bail. However court clarifies that it has not decided the bail plea and has not entertained the case since its a writ petition. #SupremeCourt has asked the… pic.twitter.com/ZOuuCGoISY
---Advertisement---— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) October 25, 2024
Details of the Supreme Court’s Decision
The bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and S.C. Sharma, expressed reluctance to entertain Imam’s bail plea filed under Article 32 of the Constitution. His counsel, senior advocate Siddharth Dave, noted that the bail application had been pending since 2022 but clarified that he was not seeking immediate bail. In response, the court allowed Imam the liberty to request a speedy hearing before the Delhi High Court, which is set to consider the bail plea on November 25.
Also Read: SC Directs Delhi HC To Expedite Bail Hearing For Sharjeel Imam In 2020 Delhi Riots Case
Background on Charges Against Sharjeel Imam
Imam and several others face UAPA charges and sections of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly orchestrating a “larger conspiracy” that led to the riots, which claimed 53 lives and injured over 700 people. The violence occurred amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The Supreme Court’s direction aims to ensure an expedited judicial review of Imam’s bail plea, potentially paving the way for a crucial hearing in the long-standing legal proceedings.
Also Read: Supreme Court Grants Relief To Rhea Chakraborty, Dismisses CBI Plea To Reinstate LOC
