Sharjeel Imam granted 10-day interim bail to attend brother’s wedding

New Delhi: Former JNU scholar and activist Sharjeel Imam, who was arrested in the 2020 Northeast Delhi violence case, was granted 10-day interim bail on Friday after nearly six years in jail, PTI reported.

A Delhi court allowed his release from March 20 to March 30 to enable him to attend his brother’s wedding and care for his ailing mother.

Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Court had granted the relief on March 9 on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of the same amount, subject to conditions, ANI reported.

Imam had sought six weeks’ interim bail, stating that his younger brother, Muzzammil Imam, is set to marry on March 25 and that he needed time for preparations and ceremonies.

His counsel argued that he has been in custody for over five years without any interim bail. The defence also said Imam, being the only elder brother, is required for key wedding functions scheduled between March 22 and March 28, including Mehendi, Haldi, Nikah and the reception.

It added that his mother is unwell and usually cared for by his younger brother, who would be occupied with the wedding. The plea also noted that the wedding period coincides with Eid-al-Fitr.

The prosecution opposed the plea, saying his presence was not essential as arrangements were already in place. It also cited the seriousness of the charges and pointed out that his regular bail had been rejected by the trial court, Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, raising concerns about possible evidence tampering or influence on witnesses.