Decide Sharjeel Imams bail plea within 10 days, Delhi HC to trial court

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has directed a trial court in Delhi to decide Delhi riots inflammatory speeches accused Sharjeel Imams bail plea within the next 10 days, i.e. by February 12.

We direct the trial court to decide and pronounce judgment in the said application within 10 days from the next date of hearing (February 12), a division bench headed by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait ordered.

Imam faces allegations for making alleged inflammatory speeches in the Aligarh Muslim University and the Jamia Millia Islamia University area in Delhi during the Delhi riots in 2020.

Imam, who has been behind bars since January 28, 2020, moved Court for statutory bail under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

He pleaded that he has already undergone one half of the maximum 7 years punishment provided for his crime.

However, the bench noted that his application seeking statutory bail is already pending adjudication before the trial court, therefore, it need not interfere in the matter.  

Thus, directing the trial court to decide Imams plea within 10 days, the Court stated that in case Imam is denied bail, he has the right to file a fresh appeal.

The bench has also re-notified to March 8 his appeal challenging a trial court order framing charges against him for sedition and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the matter.