The Delhi High Court has adjourned Sharjeel Imam’s plea to quash charges in a hate speech case due to the absence of the Special Public Prosecutor. The court clarified that there is no stay on the trial, allowing the trial court to proceed with framing charges. Imam is accused of making inflammatory speeches at Jamia Millia Islamia.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has once again adjourned Sharjeel Imam’s plea to quash specific charges in a hate speech case registered by the Delhi Police. The hearing was postponed due to the absence of the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP). Importantly, the High Court clarified that there is no stay on the trial against Imam concerning sedition and hate speech allegations stemming from his purported inflammatory speeches at Jamia Millia Islamia.
Read Also: ‘No Offence Made’ – Bombay HC Quashes Data Theft Case Against Wolfgang Prock-Schauer
Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri stated, “There is no stay; the trial would obviously proceed. If the trial court comes to a conclusion that enough material is there, then it will frame charges.” This observation came during the hearing of Imam’s plea, which seeks to quash the sedition and hate speech charges filed against him under Sections 124A and 153A of the Indian Penal Code.
Despite the adjournment, the court expressed concern over the SPP’s continued absence, ultimately granting the prosecution’s request for a delay. During the proceedings, Imam’s counsel highlighted that the trial court is currently in the process of framing charges against him. In response, the court inquired,
“So what? If charges are framed, then what?”
Imam’s counsel affirmed that they have challenged those charges. However, the court reiterated,
“There is no stay on the same, and the trial court can proceed.”
This ruling signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle involving Sharjeel Imam, who has been at the center of controversy since his arrest in connection with the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots.
As the legal proceedings continue, this case is poised to attract significant attention, particularly regarding the implications of sedition laws and the limits of free speech in India. The developments in this case are crucial not only for Sharjeel Imam but also for broader discussions surrounding the balance between national security and individual rights in contemporary India.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
