Delhi High Court Denies Early Hearing for Activist Sharjeel Imam

The Delhi High Court refused an early hearing for student activist Sharjeel Imam's bail plea in a case tied to the 2020 communal riots in the capital. Imam argues his continued incarceration hampers his academic pursuits. The final hearing is set for October 7.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined an ''early hearing'' for student activist Sharjeel Imam's bail plea, connected to a case registered under the anti-terror law UAPA for alleged involvement in the February 2020 communal riots in the capital.

A bench led by Justice Suresh Kumar Kait stated that the case was already scheduled for a final hearing on October 7, dismissing any grounds to advance the date.

Imam and others, including Umar Khalid, face charges under UAPA and the Indian Penal Code, accused of being the ''masterminds'' behind the riots, which claimed 53 lives and injured over 700 people, amid anti-CAA and NRC protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)