LI Network
Published on: January 16, 2024 at 12:01 IST
The Delhi High Court has requested the police to create a chart outlining the differences in roles among the accused in the UAPA case connected to the alleged broader conspiracy behind the 2020 communal riots in the city.
This request specifically pertains to student activist Sharjeel Imam, who is currently in custody, and co-accused Natasha Narwal, Devangana Kalita, and Asif Iqbal Tanha.
During the hearing of Imam’s bail plea, the court directed the police to provide a comprehensive chart differentiating their roles. The next hearing is scheduled for February 19.
Imam, seeking bail based on the argument of parity, pointed out that six out of the 18 accused named in the FIR have already been granted relief.
However, Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad opposed the plea, emphasizing the need to consider the distinct roles attributed to each accused in the larger conspiracy. Prasad highlighted the importance of examining the nature of Imam’s speeches and activities, asserting that he cannot be equated with the other accused.
Prasad referred to the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the police’s appeal against bail granted to Narwal, Kalita, and Tanha, stating that it is Imam’s responsibility to convince the court about the merit of his case.
The Court has called for written submissions from both Imam’s counsel and the Delhi Police before the next hearing. Notably, Imam, along with Khalid Saifi and others, including Umar Khalid, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code for their alleged involvement in orchestrating the February 2020 riots in northeast Delhi during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).