Story perspectives

Judge Grants Sharjeel Imam Interim Bail for Oct Weddings

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 4:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Judge Sameer Bajpai granted Sharjeel Imam interim bail for cousins’ weddings Oct 4-10.
Imam must post a Rs 50,000 bail bond and an equal-value surety.
He is barred from contacting witnesses, using social media, meeting anyone beyond family, and must surrender Oct 10.
Imam remains in custody for the 2020 North-East Delhi riots case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Anirudh Mishra, opposed the interim bail.

History

Historical Context

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, enacted in 1967, empowered Indian courts to detain alleged militants without trial, sparking controversy. In 2004, the Act’s amendment added ten new offenses, and the Supreme Court reported that 1,200 individuals faced pre-trial detention under its provisions that year. Today, Judge Sameer Bajpai’s October 2024 bail order for Sharjeel Imam, charged under the same UAPA for the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, mirrors earlier detentions. The recurring reliance on UAPA-based bail restrictions underscores persistent tension between security law and civil liberties, prompting renewed demands for legislative reform.

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Story summary

Judge Sameer Bajpai granted Sharjeel Imam interim bail for cousins’ weddings Oct 4-10.
Imam must post a Rs 50,000 bail bond and an equal-value surety.
He is barred from contacting witnesses, using social media, meeting anyone beyond family, and must surrender Oct 10.
Imam remains in custody for the 2020 North-East Delhi riots case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Anirudh Mishra, opposed the interim bail.

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