This comprehensive biography details the life and career of Sharjeel Imam, a prominent figure known for his involvement in various controversies and social activism.
Wiki/Biography
Sharjeel Imam, born in 1988 in Kako, Jehanabad, Bihar, is a computer scientist and PhD student. He completed his intermediate education at Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj in 2006. His academic journey began with excelling in the JEE entrance exam, leading him to pursue a B.Tech-M.Tech Integrated Programme in Computer Science at IIT Bombay. After graduating in 2011, he worked briefly as a software engineer before pursuing further studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he earned his MA and MPhil in Modern Indian History and currently is undertaking PhD studies in the same field.
During his time at IIT Bombay, he worked as a freelance programmer and a teaching assistant, gaining valuable experience. His corporate experience at Juniper Networks shaped his views on social injustices, eventually prompting his move to JNU to pursue his passion for history and activism.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 7″
- Hair Colour: Black
- Eye Colour: Black
Family & Caste
Sharjeel Imam hails from a Muslim family. His father, Syed Akbar Imam, was a local politician associated with Nitish Kumar. His mother, Afshan Rahim, is a homemaker. He has a younger brother, Muzzammil Imam, a social activist and journalist.
The family has notable ties to Jehanabad’s political landscape, further adding depth to Imam’s background and understanding his life’s journey.
Shaheen Bagh Protests & The ‘Chakka Jam’
Imam actively participated in the Shaheen Bagh protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He played a significant role in organizing road blockades as part of the ‘Chakka Jam’ movement, aiming to bring attention to the concerns of the Muslim community and other marginalized groups affected by the CAA legislation. His involvement brought him significant attention and both support and criticism.
His participation in these protests became central to the various charges he later faced, intertwining his activism with the legal battles that followed.
Controversy
Several speeches delivered by Sharjeel Imam garnered significant controversy. A speech at Aligarh Muslim University, where he discussed the potential secession of Assam from India, resulted in multiple FIRs across several states. His arrest followed in January 2020, and he faced charges of sedition and promoting enmity among communities.
The subsequent legal proceedings and high-profile court cases significantly impacted public perception of his actions and intentions.
| Charge | Section of Law | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sedition | 124A IPC | Promoting disaffection towards the government. |
| Promoting Enmity | 153A IPC | Creating disharmony among different religious groups. |
| Statements Conducing to Public Mischief | 505 IPC | Making statements intended to incite crime. |
While discharged initially in the Jamia violence case, the Delhi High Court later overturned this decision. The legal battles continued, highlighting the complexities and varying interpretations of his actions and statements.
Facts/Trivia
- Sharjeel Imam is remembered by his teachers as an intelligent and insightful student.
- He possesses a profound knowledge of Indian history.
- He has shown a keen interest in Islamic theories.
- He has written articles for various publications, expressing his perspectives on social and political issues.
- His brother, Muzzammil Imam, was also involved in the Shaheen Bagh protests.
- He contracted COVID-19 while in jail.
