The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi police to respond to a bail plea filed by student activist Sharjeel Imam, who is accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the 2020 North East Delhi riots.

A bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan issued notice on Imam's appeal challenging the trial court's rejection of his second bail application.The court scheduled the case for hearing on August 27.Imam, arrested on August 25, 2020, was booked under UAPA for being a 'mastermind' of the riots that caused 53 deaths and over 700 injuries.The trial court dismissed his bail request on July 4, citing adherence to the Supreme Court's January order that imposed conditions on bail.

The Supreme Court had earlier rejected bail pleas of Imam and Umar Khalid, directing them to reapply only after protected witnesses were examined or after one year from January 5, 2026.The prosecution argued there was no substantial change in circumstances to reconsider bail.The case highlights ongoing legal battles under UAPA, with Imam and Khalid languishing in jail for over five years.