Former JNU student Sharjeel Imam was granted bail by a Delhi court in a 2019 sedition case. He was accused of having delivered a "provocative speech" that allegedly contributed to violence in Jamia Nagar.
Additional Sessions Judge Anuj Agrawal noted that Imam has been in custody for over 32 months since he was arrested in February 2020. "Therefore, instant application deserves to be allowed." Delhi High Court had asked the trial court to consider Imam's application seeking relief.
A Saket Court had denied him regular bail in October 2021 saying the tone and tenor of his speech had a debilitating effect upon public tranquillity and harmony. Imam had recently moved an application to the trial court under section 436-A.
The trial court added that the offence of sedition under section 124A of IPC, the prosecution in all pending cases has been directed to be kept in abeyance by the Supreme Court. Offence under section 153A of the Code is punishable with maximum imprisonment of up to three years.
He will remain in custody as there are other pending cases against him, reported Live Law.
The doctoral student has several cases of sedition filed against him across Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Delhi for his speeches against CAA, NRC, and NPR.