The Delhi High Court has framed charges against Sharjeel Imam and others in the Jamia violence case, stating that violent action is not acceptable as a means to resist government policy in a democracy. Sharjeel Imam, a former student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), was arrested in January 2020 for allegedly inciting violence at Jamia Millia Islamia during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The violence had left several students and policemen injured.
The court has charged Sharjeel Imam and others with offences under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, unlawful assembly, promoting enmity between different groups, and criminal conspiracy. In its order, the court observed that “the accused persons, along with their associates, hatched a conspiracy to incite violence and disrupt public order by indulging in acts of rioting and arson during the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act.”
The court further noted that while citizens have the right to protest and express dissent in a democracy, it should be done peacefully and within the limits of the law. The use of violence, the court said, cannot be justified under any circumstances. “The right to protest is a fundamental right, but it does not mean that one can resort to violent means to resist government policy. Violence, in any form, is not acceptable in a democracy,” the court said.
The court’s decision has been welcomed by many, who believe that violent protests have no place in a democratic society. “The court’s decision sends a strong message that violent action cannot be tolerated, and that peaceful protests are the only way to express dissent in a democracy,” said a member of a civil society organization. The trial in the case is expected to begin soon, and the accused will have an opportunity to present their defense before the court.
The Jamia violence case had created a lot of unrest and controversy at the time of the incident. The police had accused Sharjeel Imam of making inflammatory speeches and inciting violence during the protests against the CAA. The incident had sparked widespread protests across the country, with many people demanding justice for the victims .The framing of charges by the Delhi High Court in this case is being seen as a significant step towards ensuring that those responsible for violence are held accountable for their actions. The court’s decision has been hailed by many as a step towards upholding the rule of law and protecting the democratic fabric of the country.
The court’s observation that violent means cannot be justified in any circumstances is an important reminder of the fact that democracy thrives on peaceful dissent and not on violent protests. It is the responsibility of citizens to exercise their right to protest in a manner that is peaceful and non-violent.The Jamia violence case has once again brought to the fore the need for citizens to exercise their right to protest in a responsible manner. While citizens have the right to express their dissent, it is important to remember that this right comes with certain responsibilities, including the responsibility to ensure that protests are peaceful and non-violent.
The framing of charges against Sharjeel Imam and others in the Jamia violence case is a step towards ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible for the violence are held accountable for their actions. It is a reminder that violent means have no place in a democratic society, and that the rule of law must be upheld at all times.
Written By- Lakshya Sharma students of 1st year BBA LLB at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
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