The Delhi High Court on Friday (17 July) issued notice to the Delhi Police on a fresh bail plea filed by Sharjeel Imam in the alleged larger conspiracy case connected with the 2020 North-East Delhi riots.
A Division Bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan directed the police to file its response within two weeks after hearing preliminary submissions from both sides.
Background of the Case
Imam has challenged the trial court's order dated July 4, which declined his request for regular bail. Appearing for him, counsel argued that the case has remained at the stage of arguments on charge for a prolonged period and that charges have still not been framed. It was also submitted that the slow pace of proceedings should be considered while deciding the bail plea.
The prosecution responded that arguments on charge have taken considerable time because the case involves multiple accused.
During the hearing, the Bench sought to know whether there had been any material change since Imam's earlier bail proceedings.
The Bench remarked,
"Is there a factual development?"
The Court also took note of the submission that the trial has not yet progressed beyond the stage of framing charges. It recorded that the Supreme Court had previously granted Imam liberty to renew his bail request if the trial was delayed. The Bench further sought clarification regarding the position of the protected witnesses before the trial court.
Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the Delhi High Court issued notice on the bail plea and granted the Delhi Police two weeks to file its reply.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 27.
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