Supreme Court Queries States on Transfer of Sharjeel Imam's Sedition Trials to Delhi

The Supreme Court has asked Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh if they object to transferring the sedition trials of former JNU student Sharjeel Imam to Delhi. Multiple FIRs and chargesheets have been filed against Imam, who is accused of making inflammatory speeches during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh regarding potential objections to transferring the sedition trials of former JNU student Sharjeel Imam to Delhi.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Sanjay Kumar, and R. Mahadevan requested the four states to respond within four weeks. Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Imam, informed the court that chargesheets have been filed in Assam and Manipur.

The court noted that responses from the respondent states are essential to determine if the chargesheets can be transferred to a Delhi court. The apex court had previously sought responses on the issue on May 26, 2020. Imam is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged inflammatory speeches during anti-CAA protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)