Sharjeel Imam walks out of jail after 6 yrs

Former JNU scholar and activist Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots case, was released on Friday on a 10-day interim bail after nearly six years in jail.

A Delhi court allowed him bail from March 20 to March 30 so that he could attend his brother’s wedding and take care of his ailing mother.

Sameer Bajpai, Additional Sessions Judge of the Karkardooma Court, on March 9 granted the interim bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of the same amount, subject to certain conditions.

Imam had sought six weeks of interim bail, telling the court that his younger brother, Muzzammil Imam, is set to marry on March 25 and that he needed time to help with preparations and take part in the wedding ceremonies.

The defence also told the court that Imam is the groom’s only elder brother and that several wedding functions, including mehendi, haldi, nikah and reception, are scheduled between March 22 and March 28.

It further said Imam’s mother is unwell and that his younger brother, who currently looks after her, would be busy with the wedding arrangements. On that basis, the applicant sought time to support his family and be with his mother, especially since the wedding period is likely to overlap with the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.