Sharjeel Imam, Accused in Delhi Riots Case, Gets 7-Day Interim Bail to Attend Cousin's Wedding

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday granted seven-day interim bail to Sharjeel Imam, who is facing prosecution in the case concerning the alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, allowing him to attend his cousins' weddings.

Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Courts granted the temporary relief for the period from October 4 to October 10, 2026. The weddings are scheduled to take place in Delhi and Bihar.

Bail granted for family weddings

According to reports, Imam's lawyers sought temporary release so he could attend the weddings of two first cousins. The wedding details were verified by the investigating officer, and the court granted the seven-day relief.

His lawyer Ahmad Ibrahim told ANI that one wedding will take place in Delhi and another in Bihar. A reception is scheduled for October 9 in Jehanabad, according to reports.

The interim bail is limited to the specified period and does not amount to regular bail or a decision on the allegations in the underlying case.

Imam remains in custody in UAPA case

Imam is facing prosecution under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other penal provisions in connection with the case concerning the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 violence in northeast Delhi.

The Delhi Police has alleged that Imam played a role in the larger conspiracy. Those allegations remain subject to the ongoing judicial process and have not been established as a final finding of guilt.

The February 2020 violence in northeast Delhi followed tensions surrounding protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. The violence resulted in deaths and injuries and led to multiple criminal investigations.

Regular bail plea to be heard on September 30

The temporary relief comes shortly after the Delhi High Court deferred Imam's regular bail plea to September 30.

The High Court had also adjourned the regular bail plea of co-accused Umar Khalid. The matters were postponed after the prosecution sought an adjournment.

A trial court had earlier rejected fresh bail pleas by Imam and Khalid after considering the Supreme Court's January 2026 order concerning their bail applications.

Seven days of temporary relief

The court's latest order gives Imam a short period outside custody for the family functions while leaving the larger legal proceedings unchanged.

Reports said the exact written order and detailed conditions were not immediately available. His lawyer indicated that conditions similar to those imposed during his earlier interim bail could apply.

Imam had previously received 10 days of interim bail in March 2026 to attend a family wedding.

What happens after October 10?

The interim bail is scheduled to end on October 10, meaning Imam is expected to return to custody after the permitted period unless a separate court order changes his legal position.

Meanwhile, his regular bail plea before the Delhi High Court remains pending. The September 30 hearing will therefore be separate from the temporary permission granted to attend the family weddings.

The latest order concerns only the limited request for interim release. The allegations in the Delhi riots case will continue to be determined through the judicial process.