Full Breakdown
Delhi Court Grants Seven-Day Interim Bail to Sharjeel Imam for Cousins’ Weddings
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 22 2026, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Court ordered that student activist Sharjeel Imam be released on interim bail for seven days (October 4-10 2026) to attend the marriage ceremonies of two first cousins—one in New Delhi on October 4 and another in Sasaram, Bihar on October 7. Conditions include a personal bond of Rs 50,000, a surety of the same amount, a prohibition on contacting any witness or person connected with the case, and a ban on using social media.
Background & Context
Imam was arrested on August 25 2020 and, along with former JNU scholar Umar Khalid, charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and several sections of the Indian Penal Code for alleged involvement in the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The riots, sparked by protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens, resulted in 53 deaths and over 700 injuries. Delhi Police’s Special Cell has described Imam and Khalid as “masterminds” of the violence.
Data & Statistics
- Deaths in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots: 53 (official tally).
- Injured: over 700.
- Imam’s pre-trial detention: approximately six years.
- Interim bail term: 7 days (Oct 4-10 2026).
- Surety required: Rs 50,000 plus a personal bond of the same amount.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Bajpai noted that the investigating officer’s report verified the two marriages and that this was Imam’s second application for interim bail, specifically to attend the weddings of his “real cousins.”
Advocate Ahmad Ibrahim, representing Imam, said he had not yet seen the full order but expected “standard conditions” similar to those imposed during Imam’s earlier ten-day interim bail for his brother’s wedding in March 2020.
Criticism & Opposition
Special Public Prosecutor Anirudh Mishra, on behalf of Delhi Police, opposed the bail request, arguing that the allegations are “serious” and that Imam’s regular bail applications have been repeatedly rejected. The prosecution contended that Imam’s presence is not required for the weddings and warned that granting bail on the basis of cousins’ marriages could set a precedent for “repeated requests.” The police also cited the Supreme Court’s January 5 2026 order, which barred bail for Imam and Khalid until protected witnesses are examined or one year elapses, whichever occurs first.
Timeline
- Jan 28 2020: Imam arrested.
- Feb 23 2020: Northeast Delhi riots.
- July 4 2026: Trial court rejects Imam’s regular bail application.
- July 5 2026: Judge Bajpai rejects fresh bail applications by Imam and Khalid.
- Sep 21 2026: Delhi High Court adjourns hearing of regular bail pleas to Sep 30 2026.
- Sep 22 2026: Interim bail ordered for Oct 4-10 2026.
- Sep 30 2026 (scheduled): High Court to hear regular bail pleas.
What’s Next
The Delhi High Court will consider Imam’s regular bail application on September 30 2026, examining whether the conditions of the Supreme Court’s January 5 2026 judgment—status of protected witnesses and the one-year timeframe—have been satisfied. The decision will determine whether Imam remains in custody pending trial.