Sharjeel Imam Seeks Interim Bail To Contest 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections

Jailed student activist Sharjeel Imam, currently incarcerated in Delhi's Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged involvement in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, has filed an interim bail plea in a Delhi court to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Imam aims to contest from the Bahadurganj constituency in Kishanganj district as an independent candidate and has requested two weeks' interim bail from October 15 to October 29, citing his constitutional right to participate in the democratic process.

A former scholar of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Imam clarified in his application that he does not belong to any political party. The Bahadurganj seat, a Muslim-majority constituency, is currently represented by Mohammad Anzar Nayeemi, who won in 2020 on an AIMIM ticket before switching to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Imam's regular bail was denied by the Delhi High Court in September, and his appeal is pending before the Supreme Court.

In his plea, Imam described himself as a "political prisoner and student activist," arguing that he should be allowed temporary release to exercise his democratic rights in elections taking place in two phases from October 10 to November 16, 2025. Despite his incarceration, supporters have reportedly begun organizing small meetings and campaigns in Bahadurganj to build momentum for his candidature.

Sharjeel Imam has previously faced legal action for his activism against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). While he has been granted bail in other cases, he remains jailed under UAPA in connection with the Delhi riots conspiracy case, making his attempt to enter electoral politics both highly controversial and unprecedented in recent Bihar elections.

His bid to contest from jail has drawn attention to broader debates about protest, dissent, and political representation in India. As the polling date approaches, Imam's interim bail plea and candidacy are expected to remain at the centre of public and political discussion in Bihar.