New Delhi: Activist Sharjeel Imam has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s order denying him bail in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case under the UAPA.

The High Court, on September 2, rejected bail pleas of Imam and other accused, including Umar Khalid, Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, and others, observing that their alleged roles were “grave” as they had delivered “inflammatory speeches” aimed at mobilizing people along communal lines.

Imam, who was arrested in January 2020, argued that the trial has been dragging on for years, but the court said a “hurried trial” would harm both the accused and the State. The case, registered as FIR 59/2020, names several student activists and politicians under sections of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The Supreme Court is yet to list the matter for hearing.