Chicago – August 21, 2025
Sharjeel Imam, a research student and prominent figure in the 2019-2020 protests against the CAA and NRC, is now preparing to enter the political arena of Bihar after spending four years in jail.
Imam, who previously studied at IIT Bombay and later pursued a PhD at JNU, was arrested in January 2020 after being accused of making inflammatory speeches that allegedly incited riots and road blockages across five states. These accusations led to charges under the stringent UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act).
Despite his arrest, Sharjeel Imam’s legal battle continues, with his bail request still pending after almost three years, although he has been granted bail in six other cases. His case has raised significant concerns among human rights organizations, which argue that such arrests are aimed at intimidating those who oppose government policies.
Imam is now set to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, potentially running from the Bahadurganj seat in Kishanganj. The 2025 elections are expected to spark debate, as Sharjeel Imam would be the first person with such a prolonged detention without conviction to contest an election.
His situation poses a critical question: Is protesting against the government a criminal act? As Imam prepares to make his political debut, his case highlights ongoing concerns about delayed justice and its impact on democracy.
