Overview
- Imam’s counsel told the Delhi court there was no mentorship or coordination with Umar Khalid, asserting the two never spoke during their years at JNU.
- The defence said the only instance where both appeared in the same meeting included no discussion of violence, arguing the prosecution has shown no agreement to establish conspiracy.
- The case stems from FIR 59/2020 under the UAPA, with police alleging a larger conspiracy involving meetings, coordinated mobilisation, and WhatsApp groups such as the Muslim Students of JNU.
- Earlier this week, the Supreme Court rejected bail for Imam and Khalid under Section 43D(5) but granted bail to five co-accused — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Mohd. Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed.
- Imam remains in custody asserting he advocated non-violence during anti-CAA protests, while the trial court is set to hear arguments from other accused next week.