Supreme Court Nudges Delhi HC for Swift Decision on Sharjeel Imam's Bail

The Supreme Court has urged the Delhi High Court to promptly adjudicate the bail application of Sharjeel Imam, charged under UAPA in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. Despite numerous hearings, the Supreme Court declined to directly entertain his bail plea, directing the lower court to expedite the process.

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi High Court to expedite its ruling on Sharjeel Imam's bail plea. Imam, a significant figure in the 2020 Delhi riots case, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

On Monday, a bench comprised of Justices Bela Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma refused to entertain Imam's petition filed directly under Article 32. Despite this, the apex court emphasized the urgency, imploring the lower court to act swiftly.

Senior advocate Siddhartha Dave, representing Imam, highlighted the prolonged delay, stating the bail plea has been pending since April 2022, having been listed over 60 times without resolution. The Delhi High Court previously turned down Imam's request for an expedited hearing.

(With inputs from agencies.)