New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Delhi Police on a bail plea filed by former JNU student and activist Sharjeel Imam in the alleged larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, which is being investigated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A division bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Vikas Mahajan sought the Delhi Police’s response to Imam’s appeal challenging a trial court order dated July 4, which had rejected his second regular bail application, reported the Hindustan Times. The High Court granted the police time to file its reply and listed the matter for further hearing on August 27.
Imam has argued before the High Court that the trial in the case has remained stalled for a prolonged period despite his continued incarceration. His plea contends that the delay in the commencement and progress of the trial warrants consideration for regular bail.
The case pertains to FIR 59 of 2020, registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell, alleging a larger conspiracy behind the communal violence that broke out in northeast Delhi in February 2020. Imam is among several accused booked under provisions of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code in connection with the case.
The trial court had earlier dismissed Imam’s fresh bail application, following which he approached the High Court seeking relief. The High Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case and has sought the Delhi Police’s stand before proceeding further.
