While considering the bail pleas of Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and other accused in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots UAPA case, the Delhi High Court today observed orally that the state's arguments cannot continue indefinitely.

After hearing arguments from the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for over an hour, Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Shalinder Kaur said “This needs to end now…we can't give you endless time like this please…”

During the previous hearing on January 9, the Court had directed the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) to conclude his submissions. The Court had also orally observed that the proceedings were not a trial and questioned the SPP about the time required to wrap up his arguments.

Today, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) referred to excerpts from Sharjeel Imam's speech, arguing that they demonstrated his involvement in the conspiracy behind the Delhi riots. The SPP stated that Imam's speeches, on their own, unravel the conspiracy.

Referring to a speech in which Sharjeel Imam called for a 'chakka jam' in Delhi, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) argued that Imam delivered a provocative speech, emphasizing that Delhi should be the epicenter of protests. The SPP further claimed that Imam was the architect of the Shaheen Bagh protests, asserting that the idea originated from him, even though local residents were opposed to the demonstrations.

Citing Sharjeel Imam's speech opposing the implementation of the CAA-NRC, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) argued that Imam was questioning the country's sovereignty in enacting a law.

The SPP also pointed out that mobilization messages for the protests were sent from a fake number and circulated across various groups, including those associated with Jamia Millia Islamia and AIMIM, to ensure maximum outreach.  

At this point, Justice Navin Chawla orally remarked, "We need to end this sometime," emphasizing the need to conclude the arguments.