Sharjeel Imam Gets Interim Bail To Attend Cousin’s Wedding From October 4 To 10

September 22, 2026

New Delhi: A Delhi court has granted interim bail to student activist Sharjeel Imam to enable him to attend his cousin’s wedding, allowing him temporary release from October 4 to October 10.

The Karkardooma Court granted the relief to Imam, who is facing prosecution in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. He has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other penal provisions.

The interim bail has been granted specifically to allow Imam to participate in his cousin’s wedding ceremonies during the specified period.

Delhi High Court Hearing On Regular Bail Plea

The interim relief comes as Imam’s regular bail plea remains under consideration.

The Delhi High Court had earlier issued notice to the Delhi Police on his plea challenging the trial court’s refusal to grant regular bail. A division bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Vikas Mahajan sought the police’s response and listed the matter for further hearing.

The trial court had previously rejected the regular bail pleas of Imam and co-accused Umar Khalid, relying on a Supreme Court order passed on January 5.

Supreme Court Orders In Delhi Riots Case

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court declined to grant regular bail to Imam and Khalid. The court held that the prosecution material disclosed prima facie grounds attracting the statutory restrictions under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA.

The Supreme Court, however, granted bail to five other accused in the case.

More recently, the apex court granted six months’ interim bail to co-accused Tasleem Ahmed and Khalid Saifi while referring to a larger Bench the question of whether prolonged incarceration and delay in trial can justify bail despite the restrictions under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA.

Delhi Police Opposes Regular Bail

The Delhi Police has opposed the regular bail pleas of Imam and Khalid before the Delhi High Court. The police has described the two as alleged masterminds of the conspiracy and argued that their fresh bail pleas were not maintainable in view of the Supreme Court’s January 5 order.

The case concerns the alleged larger conspiracy behind the February 2020 North-East Delhi riots. Imam is among several accused facing charges under the UAPA and other penal provisions.

The interim bail granted to Imam is limited to the October 4-10 period and is specifically intended to allow him to attend his cousin’s wedding.