Delhi Court Takes Cognizance Against Sharjeel Imam For Sedition, Hurting Religious Sentiments And Criminal Intimidation

Taking cognizance of the offences, the court of Additional Sessions Judge Amitabh Rawat noted that while cognizance for commission of offence under Section 13 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was taken by the previous judge hearing the matter vide order dated 29.07.2020, cognizance for commission of offences under Sections 124A/153A/153B/505 IPC was deferred for want of requisite sanction under Section 196 CrPC.

The judge said that the requisite Sanction under Section 196 CrPC, in the form of supplementary charge­sheet under Section 173(8) CrPC, had been filed, and therefore he was taking cognizance for commission of offences under the said provisions.

The judge was hearing the matter in a physical hearing, whereas the accused Imam was presented via video conferencing from Central Jail No.1, Tihar.

Imam, a student leader who was in the forefront of anti-CAA protests, was arrested on January 28 over alleged inflammatory and instigatory speeches against CAA-NRC. Multiple FIRs for sedition were filed against him in Assam, Delhi, UP and Manipur alleging that his speeches amounted to sedition.

He was later under booked the UAPA alleging that he was part of conspiracy behind the North East Delhi riots.