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The Supreme Court of India, in a significant development, has directed the Delhi High Court to expeditiously hear the bail application of student activist Sharjeel Imam, who is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in connection with the Delhi riots of February 2020. This decision comes as a crucial step in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Imam's case and the broader context of the Delhi riots, a period of intense violence that left a lasting impact on the Indian capital.
Imam's bail plea, which was originally filed in 2022, has been pending for a considerable period. While Imam's counsel, senior advocate Siddharth Dave, stated that he was not pressing for bail at the present stage, the Supreme Court recognized the need for a swift resolution to the matter. The court's order instructs the Delhi High Court to hear the bail application as soon as possible, ideally on November 25, the date previously scheduled for the case.
The Delhi riots, which erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), resulted in the tragic loss of 53 lives and left over 700 people injured. Imam and several others were accused of orchestrating a larger conspiracy behind the violence and charged under the stringent provisions of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code. The case has garnered considerable attention due to the severity of the charges and the potential implications for freedom of speech and expression.
The Supreme Court's directive to the Delhi High Court to expedite the hearing of Imam's bail application underscores the importance of ensuring a fair and timely trial process for individuals accused of crimes. It also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the UAPA, with concerns raised about its potential for misuse and its impact on individual liberties. The outcome of Imam's bail plea will be closely watched by legal experts and civil society groups alike, as it could have broader implications for the application of the UAPA and the balance between national security and individual rights.
Source: Delhi riots 2020: Expeditiously hear Sharjeel Imam bail plea in UAPA case, SC tells Delhi HC