Delhi Court Indicts Sharjeel Imam: Catalyst of a Larger Conspiracy

A Delhi court has charged activist Sharjeel Imam in the 2019 Jamia violence, labeling him as a key instigator of a conspiracy to incite unrest. The court highlighted Imam's December 13 speech as provocative, aiming to cause societal disruption and communal conflict, resulting in the imposition of various charges.

A Delhi court has charged activist Sharjeel Imam, accusing him of being a pivotal figure in a conspiracy that incited the 2019 violence at Jamia Millia Islamia University. The court's determination came after reviewing Imam's December 13 speech, which it described as inflammatory, inciting communal tensions and urging disruption of societal activities.

Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Singh labeled Imam's speech as 'venomous,' noting that it provocatively targeted communal harmony. He argued that Imam's rhetoric led to the unlawful assembly and mass rioting, underlining that his calculated words were intended to instigate anger and hatred between religious communities.

The court ordered charges against Imam under various sections of the IPC and PDPP Act, including abetment and criminal conspiracy. The ruling also involves other accused who allegedly conspired and participated in the riots following the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019.

(With inputs from agencies.)