As of January 2025, the trial of Sharjeel Imam, a PhD scholar, remains unconcluded, and his legal status remains in limbo. Sharjeel Imam was arrested in December 2019 following his speeches against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which led to widespread protests. Despite the passage of five years, his trial has not reached a verdict, and he continues to be imprisoned.One of the significant issues surrounding his case is the delay in the judicial process. His bail plea has been pending for 2.9 years, a period during which he has remained in custody. This prolonged detention is in violation of Supreme Court orders, which have urged an expedited hearing of his bail plea. The Delhi High Court has also noted that an accused cannot be blamed for causing delays in the trial if they choose to avail legal remedies.Sharjeel Imam's case is further complicated by multiple legal proceedings. While he was granted bail in a sedition case, he remains in custody due to a larger conspiracy case. This dual legal situation has contributed to the ongoing delays in his trial.In summary, as of January 2025, Sharjeel Imam is neither definitively declared guilty nor innocent. His trial has been marred by significant delays, and he continues to be held in custody amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
