Sharjeel Imam Withdraws Plea Seeking Interim Bail To Contest Bihar Assembly Polls

Sharjeel Imam on Tuesday withdrew from a Delhi Court his plea seeking interim bail in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case in order to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections as an independent candidate from Bahdaruganj constituency.

Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma Courts allowed Imam to withdraw the application.

Advocate Ahmad Ibrahim appeared for Imam and prayed for withdrawal of the application, citing some technical issue.

He said that since Imam's regular bail plea in the case is pending before the Supreme Court, proper forum to seek the relief should be there.

Imam had sought his release on interim bail for 14 days from October 15 to October 29.

The relief was sought to file his nomination and campaign for the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections.

The application stated that Imam has been in continuous incarceration for more than 5 years and 2 months, has remained in continuous judicial custody and has not been enlarged on bail, even temporarily.

“That since the Applicant is a political prisoner and a student activist, he is willing to contest elections from his home state Bihar which is scheduled to take place in 2 phases from 10.10.2025 to 16.11.2025,” the plea stated.

It added: “That it is pertinent to mention that the Applicant is contesting as an independent candidate and is not associated with any political party. There is no one to take care of and make arrangements for his nomination and campaign for the elections, except his younger brother, who is also currently looking after his ailing mother and providing for his family.”

FIR 59 of 2020 was registered by Delhi Police's Special Cell under various offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The accused in the case are Tahir Hussain, Umar Khalid, Khalid Saifi, Isharat Jahan, Meeran Haider, Shifa-Ur-Rehman, Asif Iqbal Tanha, Shadab Ahmed, Tasleem Ahmed, Saleem Malik, Mohd. Saleem Khan, Athar Khan, Safoora Zargar, Sharjeel Imam, Devangana Kalita, Faizan Khan and Natasha Narwal.