Accused Sharjeel Imam likely to Contest Bihar Elections from Jail Amid Riot Conspiracy Charges
New Delhi : Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, has filed his nomination papers from jail to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Imam is contesting as an independent candidate from the Bahadurganj constituency in Kishanganj district.
The former JNU research scholar, currently lodged in Tihar Jail, is facing serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code for his alleged role in inciting violence during the anti-CAA protests that culminated in the Delhi riots of February 2020.
His nomination papers were submitted by his brother, Muzammil Imam, who claimed to have obtained authorization from Sharjeel. Jail authorities confirmed receipt of Imam’s application for permission to contest, in accordance with legal procedures.
Today, Delhi Court stated that Sharjeel Imam was not only an instigator but also was the kingpin of larger conspiracy to incite violence.
Watch how he wanted to cut off Northeast from India as Chicken’s neck corridor is Muslim dominated area.
He knows that demography is destiny pic.twitter.com/M1DjVpiXFO
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) March 10, 2025
A Controversial Candidature
Sharjeel Imam’s decision to contest the election from behind bars has sparked sharp reactions, given the gravity of the charges against him. He was arrested in January 2020 and has remained in judicial custody since. Authorities accuse him of delivering inflammatory speeches aimed at disrupting national unity and public peace, particularly through the blocking of roads and provoking public disorder.
Imam is alleged to have played a central role in the planning and coordination of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which investigators believe were used as a cover for instigating communal unrest in Delhi.
He also accused where he advocated to cut North-East India from rest of India. In a video he urged 5 lakh support of Kanaiya Kumar and his to cut the Chicken Neck Siliguri corridor.
Legal Status and Charges
In May 2024, the Delhi High Court granted Sharjeel Imam bail in a sedition case, citing the time he had already spent in jail. However, he remains in custody under the stringent provisions of the UAPA, as part of the broader “conspiracy case” tied to the 2020 Delhi riots.
The charge sheet accuses him and several others of being part of a premeditated conspiracy to incite violence in the capital. His bail pleas have been repeatedly contested by the Delhi Police, who maintain that Imam’s speeches were designed to incite one community against another and disrupt national order.
Constituency and Political Context
Imam is contesting from the Bahadurganj seat in the Muslim-majority Kishanganj district, currently represented by Mohammad Anzar Nayeemi, who won on an AIMIM ticket in 2020 and later joined the RJD.
While Imam’s supporters argue his nomination is a constitutional right, many have raised ethical concerns about allowing an undertrial accused in a serious national security case to participate in democratic elections. Legal experts point out that Indian law permits undertrials to contest elections unless convicted, though doing so while facing charges under UAPA remains highly controversial.
Imam’s Bail and Court Observations
Although Imam secured bail in the sedition case, the courts have acknowledged the gravity of the larger conspiracy charges still pending against him. His application for bail in the UAPA case was recently dismissed by a Delhi trial court, which noted the “potentially disruptive nature” of his speeches and the broader implications of his alleged role in the riots.
The case is currently being heard by a new bench in the Delhi High Court, and a ruling on further bail applications or trial proceedings is expected in the coming months.
Broader Implications
Imam’s candidature raises questions about the intersection of legal accountability and electoral rights, particularly in cases involving national security and communal harmony. While the law allows for participation in elections prior to conviction, critics argue that this undermines public trust when candidates face such serious allegations.
As Bihar heads toward the polls, Imam’s entry into the race from a jail cell is likely to intensify political and legal debates—especially in a state where identity politics and religious polarization remain sensitive issues.
Note: This article does not seek to prejudice any ongoing judicial proceedings. Sharjeel Imam remains an accused, not convicted, and is entitled to due legal process under Indian law.