After 6 years, Sharjeel Imam walks out of jail on 10-day interim bail for brother’s wedding
New Delhi: Student activist Sharjeel Imam walked out of jail on Friday after nearly six years in custody, following a Delhi court’s order granting him interim bail for 10 days to attend his brother’s wedding and care for his ailing mother.
The relief was granted on March 9 by a sessions court, permitting Imam to remain out of custody from March 20 to March 30. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai clarified that the bail was temporary and limited strictly to family obligations, as reported by The Observer Post.
“The interim bail is being granted only for the purpose of attending the wedding and related family needs,” the court said, directing that Imam must surrender upon the expiry of the period.
Imam had reportedly sought six weeks of interim bail, but the court granted partial relief of 10 days.
VIDEO | A Delhi court grants 10-day interim bail to activist Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case; he walks out of jail after nearly six years.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 20, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Qwi9mxm4IM
He was arrested in January 2020 in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy behind the northeast Delhi violence and has remained in custody under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This marks his first release from jail in six years.
His case has been among the most closely watched in the riots conspiracy matter, with prolonged incarceration and repeated denial of regular bail drawing attention from legal observers and rights groups.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of India declined to grant regular bail to Imam and co-accused Umar Khalid. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria observed that the prosecution had placed sufficient material to establish a prima facie case indicating their involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
At the same time, the apex court granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmed. The court noted that their alleged roles differed from those attributed to Imam and Khalid.
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VP, PM greet civil servants on Civil Services Day
New Delhi (PTI): Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted civil servants on the occasion of Civil Services Day and said it is time to further strengthen the resolve to work towards good governance and nation building.
The Vice President said as the enduring pillar of India's administrative framework, the efforts of the civil servants in strengthening governance and delivering public services are of immense significance.
The prime minister said from the grassroots to policy-making, the efforts of civil servants touch countless lives and contribute to India's progress
"On the occasion of Civil Services Day, I extend my warm greetings to all civil servants and convey my sincere appreciation for your dedication and exemplary service to the nation," Radhakrishnan said in a post on X.
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He said the theme for this year, "Viksit Bharat: Citizen-Centric Governance and Development at the Last Mile", aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and underscores the Government's commitment to transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric governance, with a strong emphasis on last-mile delivery and inclusive development.
"Let us all celebrate the day and continue to work collectively towards building an inclusive and developed India," he said.
The Vice President will deliver the keynote address at the Civil Services Day celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan here on Tuesday.
In his message, Modi greeted all civil servants on Civil Services Day and said this is an occasion to further strengthen the resolve to work towards good governance and nation building.
"May our civil servants continue to serve with excellence, compassion and innovation, upholding the highest standards of duty," he said.
The prime minister said service to the nation is the foundation of a 'Developed India'.
"On the glorious occasion of Civil Services Day, let us reaffirm our resolve to build a strong, prosperous, and sensitive India by bringing the person standing at the last line into the mainstream of development," he said.
The central government celebrates April 21 every year as 'Civil Services day' as an occasion for civil servants to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizen and renew their commitments to public service and excellence in work.
This date is chosen to commemorate the day when the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers in 1947 in Delhi, and referred to civil servants as the 'steel frame of India'.
