The Delhi riots larger conspiracy probe took a crucial turn as Sharjeel Imam’s advocate vehemently denied any incitement to violence, framing his client’s words as a strict adherence to non-violent ideology. In detailed oral arguments, the lawyer dissected the prosecution’s evidence before the court.
Focusing on speeches from December 2019 to January 2020, the defense showcased how Imam advocated strategic blockades and peaceful sit-ins, explicitly rejecting stone-pelting or arson. ‘This was pure Gandhian satyagraha—no calls for blood, only for democratic assertion,’ proclaimed the counsel.
The prosecution countered by linking Imam’s rhetoric to riot flashpoints like Jaffrabad and Karawal Nagar, where mobs clashed violently. Yet, the lawyer stressed the absence of direct evidence tying Imam to on-ground perpetrators.
With the 2020 riots claiming 53 lives and injuring hundreds, this bail hearing revives debates on hate speech versus protected expression. Imam’s prolonged detention has drawn criticism from rights groups, who see it as overreach. The judge will soon decide on interim relief, potentially reshaping the case’s trajectory.