Delhi HC rejects Sharjeel Imam's plea for default bail; police get 90 more days for probe

In a furr setback for Sharjeel Imam, a single bench of Delhi High Court of Justice V Kameswar Rao on Friday rejected his plea for default bail. He h moved Delhi HC against trial court order granting an extension of 3 months to Delhi Police for completing investigation against him under UAPA. For offences under UAPA, investigation has to be completed within 90 days. 

As per Section 167(2) of Code of Criminal Procedure, an accused has right to access statutory bail after 90 days of custody. However, Police filed an application under Section 43D of UAPA in trial court to extend time for probe on 88th day of his custody. Imam’s counsel Rebecca John argued that formal tice was served regarding extension of probe time beyond 90 days under provisions of UAPA. 

Re: Sharjeel Imam Charge-sheeted For 'seditious Speech' & Abetting Riots During CAA Protests

Re: Amid Search For Sharjeel Imam Over 'break India' Call, Bihar Police Detains His Bror

Sharjeel Imam's controversial remarks

Sharjeel Imam was a key organizer of Shaheen Bagh protests. His controversial remarks came to light on January 25 when BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra shared a video that featured him. In video purportedly from Aligarh in Uttar Presh, he is heard saying that 5 lakh people can come toger and permanently cut rth-East from India. Moreover, he stressed that this was only way in which Indian government would pay heed to concerns of protesters. 

In video, Imam said, "If we have 5 lakh organized people n we can permanently cut rth-east from India or at least for one month. Put so much (unclear) on ro that y cant even remove it for a month. It is our responsibility to isolate Assam from India, n only y will listen to us."  

Imam was arrested from Bihar's Jehanab district on January 28 after police accused him of being involved in  violence that took place in Jamia on December 15, 2019, during  protests against  Citizenship Amendment Act. Charges under Section 153A, 124A, and 505 of Indian Penal Code were slapped against him. Subsequently, he was charged under stringent UAPA. 

Re: Sharjeel Imam 'highly Ricalised, Wants Islamic State' Say Delhi Police Sources

Re: Amit Shah Reacts On Sharjeel Imam's Arrest; Calls Him 'more Dangerous Than Kanhaiya Kumar'