Sharjeel Imam Withdraws Lower Court Bail Plea, Will Approach Supreme Court To Contest Bihar Elections

New Delhi:

Student activist Sharjeel Imam, charged in the larger conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots, has withdrawn his application before a Delhi court that sought 14-day interim bail to participate in Bihar's upcoming assembly elections.

During the proceedings before Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai, Imam's legal representative indicated that since his regular bail petition is currently pending with the Supreme Court, they would instead pursue temporary relief directly from the apex court.

Advocate Ahmad Ibrahim informed the court that the withdrawal was based on technical considerations.

Previously on Monday, Imam, who has been in custody since August 25, 2020, had requested temporary release from November 15 to 29 to contest the elections as an Independent candidate from Bahadurganj assembly constituency.

His petition had mentioned that "there is no one to manage his nomination process and election campaign except his younger brother, who is simultaneously caring for their ailing mother and supporting the family."