Delhi Police opposed Tahir Hussain’s interim bail plea in the High Court on Monday. Hussain, who is accused of the 2020 riots, sought bail to file nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has nominated Hussain as its candidate for the Mustafabad constituency.
Arguing against the plea, the police counsel told Justice Neena Bansal Krishna’s bench that Hussain could file his nomination papers from jail, a practice allowed under election laws. Hussain’s lawyer countered, stating that he needed to physically file papers and provide an accurate account of his assets.
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Citing a precedent, Hussain’s counsel referenced interim bail granted to Engineer Rashid, accused in an NIA case, for similar reasons. However, the bench remarked, “You can file a nomination even while sitting in jail,” and deferred the hearing to Tuesday.
Hussain is also seeking regular bail in the murder case of IB officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. On December 24, the High Court issued a notice to Delhi Police regarding this plea.
Political Row Over AIMIM Nomination
The AIMIM’s decision to field Hussain has sparked criticism from the Delhi BJP. State Vice President Kapil Mishra accused AIMIM of provoking communal tensions and acting as AAP’s “B-team.”
“This is a clear attempt to disrupt Delhi’s peace. If riots are incited in the name of Tahir Hussain, there will be consequences,” Mishra warned.
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan dismissed the accusations, questioning BJP’s moral stance. “If BJP can field Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, why can’t we nominate undertrial candidates?” he asked.
Pathan insisted on Hussain’s innocence, stating, “When they are acquitted, critics will have nothing to say.”