NEW DELHI: Activist Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case, walked out of Tihar Jail on Friday after nearly six years in custody. He was granted 10-day interim bail by a Delhi court to attend his brother’s wedding and care for his ailing mother.
Imam was seen leaving Gate number 3 of the high-security prison before being escorted to a waiting car. His interim bail is effective from March 20 to March 30, after which he is expected to surrender before the court.
The Bail Conditions
The court granted Imam interim bail on humanitarian grounds, allowing him to be with his family for a short period. The reasons cited in the plea included:
- His brother’s wedding ceremony.
- The need to take care of his ailing mother.
The Case Background
Sharjeel Imam is among several accused in the case linked to the communal violence that broke out in northeast Delhi in February 2020. The violence, which erupted during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), left 53 people dead and over 700 injured.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Case | 2020 Northeast Delhi Riots Conspiracy Case |
| Accused | Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and several others |
| Legal Provisions | Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and IPC |
| Police Allegation | Violence was part of a “pre-planned and well-designed” conspiracy. |
| Supreme Court Observation (Jan 2026) | Sufficient material to establish prima facie case against Imam and Khalid for larger conspiracy. |
Recent Supreme Court Order
Imam’s release comes just weeks after the Supreme Court, in January 2026, denied bail to him and co-accused Umar Khalid in the same case. The top court had observed that the prosecution had placed sufficient material on record to establish a prima facie case indicating their alleged involvement in a larger conspiracy.
However, the Supreme Court had granted bail to five other accused in the same case—Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed—noting that their roles differed from those attributed to Imam and Khalid.
What Happens Next
Imam’s release is temporary. He is expected to surrender before the court once the 10-day bail period ends on March 30. The trial in the case continues as the Delhi Police proceeds with its investigation into the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 riots.
