Delhi court rejects activist Sharjeel Imam's bail plea, cites 'disruptive activities'

New Delhi: A Delhi court has dismissed the bail plea of student activist Sharjeel Imam, who has been in custody for over two years, stating that his case involves "different" circumstances due to the nature of the allegations against him and his "disruptive activities."

Sharjeel Imam sought bail under CrPC Section 436-A, as he had spent more than half of the maximum sentence for the offence under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The court, however, emphasised that the provision allows for the extension of custody in "exceptional circumstances."

The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai, highlighted Sharjeel Imam's alleged involvement in inciting communal riots through speeches delivered in various locations.

The chargesheet mentions that his speeches, particularly one at Aligarh Muslim University, instigated public disruptions and played a role in triggering riots in different parts of Delhi. The court pointed out that although he didn't explicitly call for violence, his speeches and activities mobilised the public, leading to city disruptions and contributing to the outbreak of riots.

In 2022, Sharjeel Imam was charged under various sections, including sedition, promoting enmity, and statements conducing to public mischief. The court considered his actions as having the potential for sedition, stating that his inflammatory speeches and social media presence manipulated facts and incited the public to engage in disruptive activities, ultimately resulting in the riots.

The decision to deny bail was grounded in the exceptional circumstances of the case, as Sharjeel Imam's activities were deemed different from typical cases. The court concluded that considering the nature of his alleged acts and their impact, extending his custody was appropriate.