NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has granted seven-day interim bail to jailed student activist Sharjeel Imam to attend the weddings of his two first cousins in Delhi and Bihar, observing that it was only his second such application and that the marriages had been verified by the investigating officer.Imam has been granted interim bail by additional sessions judge Sameer Bajpai from October 4 to 10 on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety of the same amount.He has been directed to surrender before the concerned jail superintendent on the evening of October 10.According to the order, Imam’s two cousins are scheduled to marry on October 4 at MGM Garden, New Delhi, and October 7 in Sasaram, Bihar, respectively.The pre-wedding ceremonies, including mehendi, marwa and haldi, are scheduled to be held at the Imam family residence in Kako, Jehanabad, Bihar, from October 1 to 3.The investigating officer’s report verified the two marriages.Opposing the plea, the prosecution argued that the allegations against Imam were serious and his regular bail applications had been rejected several times.It also contended that his presence was not necessary for the weddings and that granting relief on the ground of cousins’ marriages could lead to repeated requests in future.The court, however, noted that this was only Imam’s second application for interim bail and that it was specifically to attend the marriages of his “real cousins”.It accordingly found it appropriate to grant him the relief.The court imposed several restrictions during the seven-day release. Imam cannot contact any witness or person connected with the case, use social media or interact with media persons.He can meet only family members, relatives and friends and has been directed to remain at the venues of the wedding ceremonies and places where guests are staying.Imam is facing prosecution in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and other penal provisions.
